aspiring

adjective

aspir·​ing ə-ˈspī-riŋ 

: desiring and working to achieve a particular goal : having aspirations to attain a specified profession, position, etc.

an aspiring actor [=a person who aspires to be and is trying to become an actor]

an aspiring novelist

Synonyms of aspiring

• ambitious

Examples of aspiring in a Sentence

an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition

Recent Examples on the Web

His older sisters are frequently photographed out and about, but Louis—an aspiring actor—largely stays out of the spotlight. — Christopher Luu, InStyle, 5 July 2026

However, the jury deadlocked on a rape charge involving former aspiring actress ​Jessica Mann. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026

For many aspiring clinical social workers, the financial burden begins during graduate school. — Luis Contreras, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026

Niv Shisler, 24, an aspiring rapper who works at Dorfman’s restaurant, moved to the town last November lured by cheap housing when rents collapsed during the war. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspiring

• acquiring
• admiring
• conspiring
• enquiring
• expiring
• inspiring
• perspiring
• rehiring
• retiring
• untiring
• firing
• hiring