aspiration

noun

as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
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
Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

has literary pretensions

Examples of aspiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other comments reflect pride in China’s peacemaking aspirations and draw comparisons between the Palestinians’ struggles and China’s past experiences with colonialism. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2023 Jesse Dominguez had the same aspirations many in Los Angeles do: to be an actor. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023 What comes up for me is that the Palestinian public can be forced to disregard their national aspirations. Emily Bazelon, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 Palestinian aspirations must be addressed, with potentially a political horizon towards a two-state solution, which will require genuine concessions, commitment, and good-faith dealmaking from Israeli and Palestinian officials alike. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023 While reflecting on his journey to becoming a novelist, Hackman shared his son’s early career aspirations during a January 2020 interview with Empire magazine. Francesca Gariano, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023 Solid, foundational humanity—community, caring—moved from legitimate aspiration to naive teenage daydream. Raven Smith, Vogue, 15 Nov. 2023 Ignoring the national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis won’t solve their conflict. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 15 Nov. 2023 Questions to Learn About Your Toddler Nearly all questions will give you a glimpse into your child's inner world, but those focusing on aspirations, security, and fears push back the curtain even further, explains Dr. Talley. Christin Perry, Parents, 13 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspiration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near aspiration

Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspiration. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

aspiration

noun
as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
1
: pronunciation with or as an aspirate
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by suction
3
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
b
: an object of such desire

Medical Definition

aspiration

noun
as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal of fluid or friable tissue from the body
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
aspirational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on aspiration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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