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

There’s always another internet grift for someone looking to save himself fast, and without any gimmicky visual intrusions, the film feels authentically tuned into the aspirational mentality and oppressive reality of contemporary social media. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Sep. 2026

And the show offered something aspirational — the Star Trek ideals of interspecies collaboration and thoughtful intelligence and compassion saving the day. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

What is manifestation if not telling yourself an aspirational lie until the universe responds accordingly? — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

In a report released last week, the United Nations Environment Program found that over the long-term, that aspirational temperature target is likely to be exceeded, given the lack of steep cuts to planet-warming climate pollution. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 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