aspirational

adjective

as·​pi·​ra·​tion·​al ˌa-spə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

: of, relating to, or characterized by aspiration

aspirational goals

: such as

a

: having or showing a desire to achieve a high level of success or social status

… private schools are patronised … by parents struggling to produce intelligent, clear-thinking, disciplined, polite, aspirational children …

—Katie Grant

b

: associated with or suggestive of a high level of success and social status and therefore appealing to people who aspire to such status

aspirational brands/products

aspirationally adverb

Examples of aspirational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What is manifestation if not telling yourself an aspirational lie until the universe responds accordingly? — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

In a report released last week, the United Nations Environment Program found that over the long-term, that aspirational temperature target is likely to be exceeded, given the lack of steep cuts to planet-warming climate pollution. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

So, my aspirational car is probably still like a 718 of some kind. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 Sep. 2026

Much the same can be said of Noël Coward, who learned his crisp enunciation through sheer aspirational effort. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

aspiration + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspirational

• avocational
• calculational
• combinational
• computational
• conformational
• confrontational
• congregational
• conversational
• correlational
• deformational
• derivational
• educational