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

That aspirational model remains relevant, particularly in travel. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The next generation of lip balms taps into that nostalgia while being equal parts practical and aspirational. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

The story that The People’s Beauty Index tells about the industry is that diversity is foundational, hyperlocal recommendations are necessary, and Reddit users see themselves as guides, not aspirational avatars or marketers. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026

These green spaces weren’t aspirational destinations, reserved for special occasions. — Todd Lookingbill, The Conversation, 31 July 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