aspiration

noun

as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
1
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
an aspiration to become famous
usually plural
a young man with political/literary aspirations
b
: an object of such desire
An acting career is her aspiration.
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: such as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal (as by suction) of fluid or tissue from the body
the aspiration of stomach fluids
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
problems caused by the aspiration of fluids into the patient's lungs
3
linguistics
a
: audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound
b
: the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration
the aspiration of the letter "h" in "a house"
also : the symbol of an aspiration
Choose the Right Synonym for aspiration

ambition, aspiration, pretension mean strong desire for advancement.

ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

Examples of aspiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Aside from her baking aspirations, Jillian is also a teacher. Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Whether you’re drawn to a CPA’s comprehensive financial expertise or a tax preparer’s specialized focus, understanding these dynamics is key to forging a path that aligns with your professional aspirations and goals. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 In fact, prosecutors argue that Roberts had completely isolated Buckner from friends, family members and her aspirations for a career in law — so much so that all fingers pointed to him as her one possible killer. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Children cannot be expected to understand what makes this depiction of the desires and aspirations that define urban life so charming. Armond White, National Review, 6 Mar. 2024 His aspirations in the sport were cut short, however, due to injuries. Xander Zellner, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024 As a result, hopeful people tend to be more successful at achieving their aspirations and are more likely to perceive their lives as meaningful. Clay Routledge, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 For businesses willing to embrace this, the rewards can be substantial, offering a roadmap to a future where innovation, adaptability, and collaborative success are not just aspirations but realities. Dean Debiase, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 At the time, Arnott became an assistant at the Centre of Excellence in Canberra, another development program for basketball players with pro aspirations. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspiration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near aspiration

Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspiration. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aspiration

noun
as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
1
: pronunciation with or as an aspirate
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by suction
3
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
b
: an object of such desire

Medical Definition

aspiration

noun
as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal of fluid or friable tissue from the body
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
aspirational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on aspiration

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