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

For many aspiring clinical social workers, the financial burden begins during graduate school. — Luis Contreras, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026

Syrians and Haitians – including an aspiring neuroscientist, a software engineer and a registered nurse − challenged that decision. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 25 June 2026

While aspiring comics in those cities compete against thousands of performers for limited stage time, Charlotte still offers plentiful opportunities for newcomers to get onstage and develop. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

The author, her husband Ed Schlossberg, and Jack’s sister Rose Schlossberg all supported the aspiring politician as his results came in during a watch party for his supporters at The Cutting Room. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 24 June 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