aspiring

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

Synonyms of aspiring

• ambitious

Examples of aspiring in a Sentence

an aspiring young pianist eager to win the prestigious competition

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to intensive classes to enhance their business skills, the aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs make new friends and form a network that will stay with them through their business journeys, Martinelli says. — Claire Hall, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

Sunshine Perez, 46, pleaded no contest in March to DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and reckless driving charges stemming from the January 2025 wrong-way crash on Florida’s Turnpike that caused the death of aspiring firefighter Ezequiel Urrutia. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026

The 13-year-old aspiring musician recently showed off a shorter version of her now-signature turquoise blue hair. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 July 2026

Gosling won a Golden Globe for his role as Seb, an aspiring pianist who falls in love with Mia (Stone), an actress who can’t catch a break. — Matt Minton, Variety, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aspiring

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