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

What once felt exclusive or aspirational starts to feel ordinary, repetitive and, in Meghan’s case, performative. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025

The war from within The chronology of the last few months shows a troubling acceleration of aspirational authoritarianism. —Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025

The California company specializes in practical minimalist gear, from kettles—the aspirational kettle of choice in most sleek coffee shops and beautiful boutique hotels—to coffee grinders and espresso machines. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2025

Right Now Meyers achieves the perfect balance between aspirational and attainable, says Meg Young, the founder and creative director of Cailíní Coastal. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 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