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 video for the title track sees Grande nervously walking past one as her character, aspiring actress Pepper, is on the way to audition for a bunch of ghoulish men. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026

In 1978, just as Deng Xiaoping was setting China on the course of reforms, an aspiring scientist named Yi Rao started college. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Looking back, McGowan said too many aspiring founders become consumed with the idea of building a business instead of solving a problem for customers. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Frank Urrutia, whose son Ezekiel Urrutia died in the January 2025 crash on Florida's Turnpike near the Red Road exit, says his son had a bright future ahead of him as a paramedic and aspiring firefighter. — Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 31 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