Ambition and Achievement: English Vocabulary List

a specific, concrete objective that a person or group actively works toward, believing it to be realistically achievable

"The aim is clear."

"His main aim in life is to become a doctor and help people in underserved communities who lack access to quality healthcare."

achieving the intended or desired result

"The plan is effective."

"The new medication was highly effective and most patients noticed improvement within just a few days of treatment."

a feeling of desire for something or of wanting something to happen

"I wish you luck."

"Her wish was to study abroad one day."

(of a person) having a positive attitude and believing that good things are likely to happen

"I feel hopeful."

"The hopeful young actor went to dozens of auditions believing that one day he would get his big break."

used to express that something positive or favorable has happened or is happening by chance

"Fortunately nobody got hurt."

"Fortunately nobody was hurt in the accident although both cars were badly damaged and had to be towed away."

used to express regret or say that something is disappointing or sad

"Unfortunately I cannot come."

"Unfortunately I cannot come to the party because I have to work late tonight at the office."

in a manner that achieves what is desired or expected

"She successfully completed the course."

"She successfully completed the course and received a certificate of achievement for her hard work and dedication."

to directly cause something

"Rain results in floods."

"The heavy rainfall could result in serious flooding in low lying areas near the river."

to desire something to occur or to be true even though it is improbable or not possible

"She wishes for good luck today."

"I wish you good luck on your final exams which are starting next Monday morning."

the action or process of reaching a particular thing

"Winning the award was a great achievement."

"Winning the science fair was her greatest achievement and she felt very proud of her hard work."

to intend or attempt to achieve something

"He aims carefully at the target."

"You should aim carefully before throwing the dart to hit the center of the board."

the will to obtain wealth, power, success, etc.

"Her ambition is strong."

"His ambition pushed him to study harder and dream bigger."

(of someone or something's future) likely to be successful and very good

"Her future is bright."

"With her exceptional talent and dedication, the young artist has a very bright future ahead of her."

an attempt to do something, particularly something demanding

"His great effort helped team win."

"She made a strong effort to finish the work on time."

to do something difficult successfully

"She can manage it."

"Despite numerous setbacks, the determined entrepreneur managed to successfully launch her innovative new business."

(of a method, idea, or plan) likely to be successful or effective

"Your idea is practical."

"The practical solution was to buy a cheaper car and save the rest of the money."

achieving success or progress

"The result was positive."

"The company reported a significantly positive financial quarter, exceeding all previous earnings expectations."

having an unpleasant or harmful effect on someone or something

"It had a negative effect."

"The prolonged drought had a profoundly negative impact on agricultural yields throughout the region."

to help or support the progress or development of something

"They promote equality."

"The organization works tirelessly to promote understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural communities worldwide."

admiration for someone or something because of their achievements, qualities, etc.

"Respect is important."

"He showed respect to everyone in the room and listened carefully to their opinions."

to admire someone because of their achievements, qualities, etc.

"We must respect different cultures."

"It is important to respect other people's opinions even when you strongly disagree with their point of view."

the most effective or proven method of achieving something

"The secret to success."

"Her secret to success was consistent practice and unwavering dedication to her craft."

to provide someone or something with encouragement or help

"I support my friends."

"The community will rally to support the local charity with donations and volunteers."

to focus one's effort, time, or attention on something in order to achieve a particular goal

"She works on her project all day."

"I need to work on my presentation tonight because I am presenting it to the board tomorrow."

to think about something that one desires very much

"I dream of flying."

"She would often dream of travelling the world and experiencing new cultures."

(of a person) having a positive attitude and believing that good things are likely to happen

"I feel hopeful."

"I feel hopeful that the new medicine will cure the disease and save many lives."

gradual movement toward a goal or a desired state

"She is making good progress at school."

"Technological progress has fundamentally transformed human civilization over the last century."

to have something in mind as a plan or purpose

"He intends to visit his parents soon."

"She intends to apply for the manager position because she has the required qualifications and experience."

to progress in a particular way

"The car will go fast."

"Despite the challenges, the project continued to go forward with unwavering determination."

the will, energy, and strength to keep trying to achieve or prevent something

"He has fight."

"She showed incredible fight to overcome her illness and achieve her goals."

to reach or gain a particular thing, typically requiring significant amount of effort

"He secures the prize."

"The company worked hard to secure a large contract with a major international client last month."