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Meaning & use

aspiration

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/
US/ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A strong wish to achieve something important in the future.

    Grammar: Usually countable and often plural; followed by to or for: an aspiration to lead.

    Patterns

    • aspiration to do something
    • aspiration for something

    Her aspiration was to become a pilot.

    The town has high aspirations for its young people.

    He never lost his aspiration to write novels.

  2. noununcountablemedical

    The act of accidentally breathing food, liquid or another object into the lungs.

    Grammar: Uncountable medical term: the risk of aspiration.

    Patterns

    • aspiration of something

    Patients who cannot swallow properly are at risk of aspiration.

    Doctors worried about aspiration during the operation.

    The aspiration of food caused pneumonia.

  3. nouncountable or uncountablemedical

    The removal of fluid or tissue from the body by suction through a needle or tube.

    Grammar: Technical: bone marrow aspiration.

    Patterns

    • aspiration of something

    The doctor performed an aspiration of the swollen joint.

    A fine needle aspiration took a small sample.

    Aspiration relieved the pressure.

Word forms

pluralaspirations

Common combinations

career aspirations
She shared her career aspirations in the interview.
high aspirations
They have high aspirations for their children.
political aspirations
He has political aspirations.
achieve an aspiration
It took years to achieve her aspiration.

Synonyms and how they differ

ambition
Ambition suggests a determined drive, often for success or power.
aim
Aim is more practical and immediate than aspiration.
dream
Dream is more personal and may be unrealistic.
goal
Goal is a specific target you work toward.

Word family

aspire verb
to hope strongly to achieve something
aspirational adjective
related to hopes of a better position
aspirant noun
a person who hopes for success

Commonly confused: aspiration or inspiration?

aspiration vs inspiration

Inspiration is a spark of ideas or encouragement; aspiration is your own hope for the future.

Practice

Her lifelong ____ was to teach in a rural school.

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