aspiration

noun as·pi·ra·tion \ ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of aspiration

1 a : a strong desire to achieve something high or great

an aspiration to become famous

—usually plural

a young man with political/literary aspirations

b : an object of such desire

An acting career is her aspiration.

2 : a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: such as

a : the act of breathing and especially of breathing in

b : the withdrawal (as by suction) of fluid or tissue from the body

the aspiration of stomach fluids

c : the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current

problems caused by the aspiration of fluids into the patient's lungs

3 linguistics

a : audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound

b : the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration

the aspiration of the letter "h" in "a house"

; also : the symbol of an aspiration

See aspiration defined for English-language learners

See aspiration defined for kids

Recent Examples of aspiration from the Web

The goal of true universal employment would also fulfill some of the deepest social aspirations of right and left alike.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Democrats Are Rushing Into a Job Guarantee. It Could Be a Huge Mistake.," 25 Apr. 2018
In late 2015 Fortune’s Vivienne Walt wrote the definitive account of Amazon’s aspirations there. * * * Fortune‘s annual list of the World’s Greatest Leaders launched this morning.

— adam lashinsky, Fortune, "What To Glean From Jeff Bezos' Annual Shareholder Letter," 19 Apr. 2018
State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria said that residents at previous meetings have said the plan has a lot of aspirations, but few ways of achieving them.

— patrick o'donnell, cleveland.com, "State's new education plan gets warm reception from Cuyahoga County residents," 28 Mar. 2018
Cornelius Williams just didn't approve of his son's aspirations.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Southern playwright Tennessee Williams majored in journalism at Mizzou," 26 Mar. 2018
Themes of aspiration and luxury is sprinkled throughout Saweetie's freestyles on Soundcloud.

— ashley lyle, Billboard, "Rising MC Saweetie Talks Viral Hit 'Icy Grl,' Signing With Warner Bros. Records & the Value of Education," 14 Feb. 2018
The photograph demonstrates a poignant contrast of youthful aspiration and the constraints of the working class.

— rafael francisco salas, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'The Open Road' a photographic journey through America," 12 Feb. 2018
Surprisingly, however, this week will be more about résumés than roses, as Pisces transits activate your tenth house of professional aspirations.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What Your Sign's February 2018 Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 31 Jan. 2018
And Miller’s industrial illustration was soon adopted as a symbol of aspiration and resilience for women.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "The Unsung Inspiration Behind the “Real” Rosie the Riveter," 25 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aspiration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of aspiration

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

aspiration Synonyms

Synonyms

ambition, ambitiousness, go-getting;

Near Antonyms

apathy, halfheartedness, indifference, unconcern;

idleness, indolence, inertia, laziness, lethargy, shiftlessness, sloth;

aggression, competitiveness, killer instinct;

opportunism, overambitiousness, pretentiousness, pushiness;

assertiveness, daring, spirit;

ardor, avidity, eagerness, keenness, passion;

avarice, greed, hunger;

Synonym Discussion of aspiration

ambition, aspiration, pretension mean strong desire for advancement. ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

- driven by ambition

aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

- an aspiration to become president someday

pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.