aspiring

1 of 2

adjective

aspir·​ing ə-ˈspī-riŋ 

: desiring and working to achieve a particular goal : having aspirations to attain a specified profession, position, etc.

an aspiring actor [=a person who aspires to be and is trying to become an actor]

an aspiring novelist

aspiring

2 of 2

present participle of aspire

Synonyms of aspiring

Adjective

• ambitious

Examples of aspiring in a Sentence

Adjective

an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This year marks the first time the program will include workshops, giving aspiring writers direct access to Netflix content executives. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Born in 1982 in Serpukhov, a town south of Moscow, by his own account, Kremlev was an aspiring boxer himself. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

For the people who loved the Detroit native and aspiring actress -- her mother, Katie Mattic, and sisters Jean Neal, Frances Douglas, Vivian Mattic and Virgie Binford -- that means tying up the loose ends of Margaret's life. — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Tim was an aspiring playwright, who held several jobs throughout his life. — Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspiring

• acquiring
• admiring
• conspiring
• enquiring
• expiring
• inspiring
• perspiring
• rehiring
• retiring
• untiring
• firing
• hiring