aspirational

adjective

as·​pi·​ra·​tion·​al ˌa-spə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce aspirational (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These models can command premium pricing, reduce churn, and reposition telecom brands from functional to aspirational. Astha Bhardwaj, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025 Lark offers practical steps to gently loosen the grip of aspirational clutter without guilt or shame. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025 My dad is 93 and committed to keeping his mind open, which is absolutely aspirational for me. Emma Specter, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 Wellness brands — especially in the premium and luxury space — must redefine their value propositions for HNWIs and aspirational consumers. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aspirational

Word History

Etymology

aspiration + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspirational was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aspirational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspirational. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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