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

As Marylin Fitoussi, costume designer for the series, told TUDUM that the goal with Emily's wardrobe was to create an aspirational and innovative style. —Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2025

This belief system—whether realistic or aspirational—has driven even greater investment in club teams and travel tournaments, showcases, personal training, recruiting platforms and video analysis. —Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 19 Dec. 2025

Housewares, apparel, and promotion items top the list, with luxury (both aspirational and traditional) and furniture (both high-end and low-end), having a softer outlook. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025

The Birkin bag resale craze may have hit its peak, serving up a dose of reality for Gen Z aspirational luxury buffs coveting the Hermès accessory as their next big investment piece. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 Dec. 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