aspirational

/ˌæspəˈreɪʃənl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌæspəˈreɪʃənl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌa-spə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl/ (ame, mw)

aspirational — adjective

  • aspirationalpositive
  • more aspirationalcomparative
  • most aspirationalsuperlative

1. having a strong inner drive to reach a higher social rank, greater career succes

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having a strong inner drive to reach a higher social rank, greater career success, or a more comfortable way of life

例句

Wei enrolled in evening classes because he is highly aspirational about his career.

highly aspirational + about [career]

The aspirational young manager set her sights on a senior role within three years.

attributive: aspirational + noun (person)

同義詞
  • ambitious

    more general — can apply to any goal, not just social or career status

  • driven

    more informal, emphasises inner motivation rather than social status

  • go-getting

    informal, suggests aggressive pursuit of goals

反義詞
  • unambitious

    direct opposite — lacking any strong desire to improve

  • complacent

    implies being satisfied with the current situation and not wanting more

文法句型

be + aspirational

aspirational + noun

用法筆記

Common in attributive position (before a noun) when describing a person's character or motivation. The predicative form often takes a prepositional phrase with 'about'.

常見錯誤

❌She is very aspirational to become a doctor.
✅She is very aspirational about becoming a doctor.
💡'aspirational' is not followed by a to-infinitive; use 'about + gerund' instead.
❌He has an aspirational for a better life.
✅He is aspirational about a better life.
💡'aspirational' is an adjective, not a noun; use it with 'be' or before a noun.

2. connected with the glamour and appeal of wealth or high social standing, especia

2.形容詞C1
釋義

connected with the glamour and appeal of wealth or high social standing, especially describing products, brands, or advertisements that make people wish for a more luxurious lifestyle

例句

The brand's aspirational advertising showed yachts, private jets, and exotic beaches.

aspirational + advertising / branding noun

Designer handbags are often marketed as aspirational items that signal personal success.

同義詞
  • prestige

    used as a noun modifier ('prestige brand'), focuses on respect and admiration rather than personal desire

  • luxury

    emphasises high quality and expense, not necessarily the desire to reach that status

  • upscale

    more neutral, describes a market segment rather than an emotional appeal

反義詞
  • downmarket

    opposite end of the market spectrum — aimed at budget-conscious rather than status-seeking consumers

  • utilitarian

    focuses on practical function rather than status or luxury appeal

文法句型

aspirational + noun

用法筆記

Almost always used attributively (before a noun) in marketing and branding contexts. The noun modified is typically a product, advertisement, or a group of consumers who desire that lifestyle.

常見錯誤

❌This brand is aspirational to the young.
✅This brand has an aspirational image for young consumers.
💡'aspirational' is not typically followed by 'to'; use a noun phrase like 'aspirational image' or 'aspirational appeal'.
❌She bought an aspirational car.' (vague)
✅She bought an aspirational sports car that reflected her dream of a glamorous lifestyle.
💡when used for products, the context of status or luxury should be clear.