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

Audemars Piguet is one of the hottest watch brands to date, and the collab has given aspirational collectors a chance to own an AP. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 May 2026

The numbers were eye-popping, and, as always, more aspirational than bankable. —Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026

Denmark's second city has moved beyond aspirational climate goals. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Even in a more culinarily ambitious age, some of Lewis’s approach remains aspirational. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 17 May 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