aspiration

noun

as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌa-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
1
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
an aspiration to become famous
usually plural
a young man with political/literary aspirations
b
: an object of such desire
An acting career is her aspiration.
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: such as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal (as by suction) of fluid or tissue from the body
the aspiration of stomach fluids
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
problems caused by the aspiration of fluids into the patient's lungs
3
linguistics
a
: audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound
b
: the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration
the aspiration of the letter "h" in "a house"
also : the symbol of an aspiration
Choose the Right Synonym for aspiration

ambition, aspiration, pretension mean strong desire for advancement.

ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

Examples of aspiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The game is built on characters having goals and aspirations. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 Unfortunately, despite the aspirations of the Wisconsin Idea, UW-Madison’s research prowess has stayed locked up by an insular culture that assigned the dirty job of commercializing research to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 The contexts in which CS matured had an impact on its nature, values, and aspirations. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024 They’re interwoven into our culture and consumption as symbols of affluence, independence, and success, and the aspiration to achieve those things in future. Andrew Kersley, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2024 The multiple characters and disconcerting social changes in Asteroid City were all of a piece through the nostalgic mix of television, live theater, and astrophysical aspirations. Armond White, National Review, 15 Mar. 2024 Recognizing a Palestinian state would just formalize what has been a bipartisan aspiration. Jonah Blank, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2024 The celebrity standard of perfection is even more heightened for royals, who are expected not only to look attractive but to project all the aspirations and ideals of an entire nation. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 This newfound assertiveness extends beyond individual aspirations; women are not only advocating for themselves but are also blazing trails for others to follow. Kalina Bryant, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspiration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspiration was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near aspiration

Cite this Entry

“Aspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspiration. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aspiration

noun
as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
1
: pronunciation with or as an aspirate
2
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by suction
3
a
: a strong desire to achieve something high or great
b
: an object of such desire

Medical Definition

aspiration

noun
as·​pi·​ra·​tion ˌas-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce aspiration (audio)
: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as
a
: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in
b
: the withdrawal of fluid or friable tissue from the body
c
: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current
aspirational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on aspiration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!