Vocabulary for Talking about Ambition

Vocabulary for Talking about Ambition (with Meanings & Examples)

Hello, dear English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson. Ambition is a topic that appears frequently in Cambridge exams, job interviews, personal statements, and everyday conversations. To talk about ambition clearly and naturally, you need more than just the word ambitious. You need a range of nouns, verbs, and fixed phrases. In this lesson, you’ll learn essential vocabulary for talking about ambition, with clear meanings and natural example sentences.

Key Nouns Related to Ambition

Achievement

Meaning: something important or difficult that you succeed in doing

Graduating from university was a major achievement for her.

Building the company from scratch was his greatest achievement.

Aspiration

Meaning: a strong desire to achieve something in the future

She has high aspirations for her career.

His aspiration to become a doctor pushed him to work harder.

Determination

Meaning: the ability to continue trying despite difficulties

Her determination helped her succeed against all odds.

Determination is essential when progress is slow.

Drive

Meaning: strong inner energy that pushes you to succeed

He has the drive to reach the top of his profession.

With enough drive, anything is possible.

Goal

Meaning: something you aim to achieve

Her goal is to start her own business.

We need a clear plan if we want to achieve our goals.

Motivation

Meaning: the reason or energy that makes you act

Lack of motivation is often the biggest obstacle to success.

His motivation comes from a desire to improve his life.

Perseverance

Meaning: continuing to try even when things are difficult

Perseverance is key to long-term success.

She achieved her dream through hard work and perseverance.

Success

Meaning: achieving what you set out to do

For him, success means personal fulfilment, not money.

Success rarely comes without effort.

Vision

Meaning: a clear idea of what you want to achieve in the future

A strong leader needs vision.

Her vision for the company inspired the whole team.

Common Verbs and Phrases about Ambition

Achieve your goals

Meaning: to succeed in what you planned to do

With focus and discipline, you can achieve your goals.

Climb the ladder

Meaning: to advance in your career

He started at the bottom and climbed the ladder steadily.

Follow your passion

Meaning: to choose work or activities you truly care about

She left her job to follow her passion for photography.

Never give up

Meaning: to continue trying despite difficulties

He failed several times but never gave up.

Overcome obstacles

Meaning: to deal successfully with difficulties

She overcame many obstacles on her path to success.

Pursue your dreams

Meaning: to actively work towards your ambitions

It takes courage to pursue your dreams.

Reach for the stars

Meaning: to aim very high

Teachers should encourage students to reach for the stars.

Set your sights on

Meaning: to decide to aim for something specific

She set her sights on becoming a lawyer.

Stay focused

Meaning: to concentrate on your goal

If you want to succeed, you must stay focused.

Strive for excellence

Meaning: to always try to do your best

He strives for excellence in everything he does.

Final Tip

When talking about ambition, try to combine nouns and phrases:

• strong motivation
• clear goals
• the determination to succeed

This will make your English sound more natural and advanced, especially in writing tasks and speaking exams. If you are preparing for B2 First or C1 Advanced, this vocabulary will help you speak and write more confidently about goals and success.

Learn vocabulary related to life milestones here

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