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

Where does this bifurcation leave lifestyle influencers who have built businesses by being aspirational and brand-safe? — Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026

While political statements mention Iraq supplying one million barrels daily, this volume is considered aspirational until actual flows materialize. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Companies such as Tapestry -owned Coach and Ralph Lauren have elevated their discount stores, transforming them into higher-end destinations for aspirational shoppers from dumping grounds for last season's wares. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 July 2026

These looks aren’t just aspirational—they’re attainable, too. — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 17 July 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