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

To some, the era has become something aspirational. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

Is a generation obsessed with influencers trying too hard to emulate their aspirational online lifestyles? —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Dec. 2025

Performative, expressive, aspirational. —Heidi Gardner, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

The same humble, aspirational spirit that fueled Anthony’s long pursuit of Hall-of-Fame status underpins the exhibit. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025

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