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 National Association of Theatre Owners changed its name last year to Cinema United, which is more aspirational than descriptive, as Aron — a board member — has a tendency to go his own way. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

The aspirational plan, called the O’Hare Flyer, would rely on the use of freight railroad tracks to shuttle travelers between downtown and the airport. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Her approach emphasizes practical clarity rather than aspirational promises. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Retain the aspirational quality of existing real estate shows by offering viewers a window into rarefied global properties but omit the prospective buyers, deals and agent squabbling, and emphasize authenticity instead. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 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