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

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

That's because the aesthetic is aspirational, but also nostalgic and timeless, and evokes elements of Christmases past. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Today, the term is more often associated with effortlessness and sophistication in menswear, but, at the time, was equally aspirational for both men and women. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025

Not aspirational, but something more meaningful. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 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