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

The aspiring Olympian became an entrepreneur, launching her luxury tea company, Cup of Té, which has twice landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

But over and over again in these pages, Vance gives the impression that his book is meant to provide some kind of quasi-evangelical impetus to aspiring parents. — Matthew Walther, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

The aspiring model was blooming in florals in the sculptural look, which featured a strapless bubble top paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, both of which were embroidered with purple and blue floral designs. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026

With fewer international visitors to cater to, the atmosphere is easygoing and laid-back; no black transfer vans or aspiring DJs here. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 17 July 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