A strong desire to achieve something, especially success, power, or a special goal. It often includes the willingness to work hard for it.
From Middle English *ambicioun*, via Old French, from Latin *ambītiō* (“a going around, striving for favor”), from *ambīre* (“to go around”), originally describing candidates going around seeking votes. It shifted from “campaigning for office” to “strong desire for achievement.”
Ambition began as literally “going around” asking for support, like a politician knocking on doors. Over time, it moved inside our heads and became the inner drive to get somewhere in life. Your private dreams carry the echo of public campaigning.
Ambition has been gendered in many cultures: praised in men as leadership potential and criticized in women as unfeminine or selfish. Language around 'ambitious women' has often carried negative connotations that do not attach to 'ambitious men.'
Use 'ambition' positively and consistently across genders, and challenge double standards that frame women’s ambition as suspect.
["drive","aspiration","motivation"]
When describing ambitious achievements, explicitly recognize women’s and gender-diverse people’s strategic and leadership contributions rather than attributing success to luck or support alone.
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