aspiring

1 of 2

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

aspiring

2 of 2

present participle of aspire

Synonyms of aspiring

Adjective

• ambitious

Examples of aspiring in a Sentence

Adjective

an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Jennifer Peedom first visited the Himalayas over 20 years ago as an aspiring filmmaker, tagging along with a friend who was working on an Everest expedition. — Tamara Southward, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

How Victoria’s Secret Is Choosing Its Next Angel The search began in April, when Victoria’s Secret announced an open casting call for aspiring models. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Dunham, now 40, will again play her aspiring writer and sort-of alter-ego Hannah, along with Allison Williams as Marnie, Jemima Kirke as Jessa, Zosia Mamet as Shoshanna and Andrew Rannells as Elijah. — Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

Directed by Gray from a screenplay he co-wrote with Ric Menello, Two Lovers tells the story of Leonard (Phoenix), an aspiring photographer and introvert who has moved back into his parents’ home following a recent heartbreak. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspiring

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