Goal vs Ambition
What’s the difference between them?
Goal
Meaning:
A predetermined result or end that one strives to achieve.
Examples:
1. My goal this year is to save enough money for a house.
2. She set a goal to finish her thesis by the end of summer.
3. His goal was to run a marathon in under three hours.
Ambition
Meaning:
A strong desire to achieve success or power, often requiring determination and hard work.
Examples:
1. His ambition is to become a successful entrepreneur.
2. She has a great ambition to travel the world.
3. His ambition to make a difference in the world is inspiring.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Goal
1. Aim
2. Objective
3. Pursuit
4. Endeavor
5. Intention
1. Failure
2. Defeat
3. Loss
4. Reverse
5. Halt
Ambition
1. Aspiration
2. Drive
3. Aim
4. Motivation
1. Apathy
2. Indifference
3. Lethargy
4. Listlessness
5. Unmotivated
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Goal", "Ambition".
1. A goal is something that you plan to achieve or accomplish. It is usually specific, measurable, and time-bound.
2. An ambition, on the other hand, is more of a general desire or aspiration. It is often long-term but not necessarily specific or measurable.
3. A goal is an achievable end; an ambition is a broad desire.
4. Goals have clear objectives; ambitions have lofty vision.
5. Goals are something that you plan; ambitions are something you wish for.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'goal' should be used when referring to a desired result that a person or a group of people hope to achieve. This could be a short-term or long-term aim, and could relate to any aspect of life.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'ambition' is used to refer to a strong desire to succeed or achieve something significant. It is usually used to describe somebody’s strong motivation to achieve their goals and is often related to ambition in a career sense.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not have the same pronunciation. 'Goal' is pronounced as /goʊl/, while ambition is pronounced as /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is using them interchangeably, as they have different meanings. While they are closely related, one should take care to use the correct word to properly convey the intended meaning.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Having a _____ is the first step to achieving success.
2. Working towards an _____ will help keep you motivated.
3. With enough dedication, you can reach any _____.
4. I have a clear _____ in mind for my future.
5. Achieving our _____ is a team effort.
6. His _____ is to become a world-renowned chef.
1. Having a goal is the first step to achieving success.
Explanation: The word goal is the best choice to fill in the gap as it refers to a desired result that a person works to achieve.
2. Working towards an ambition will help keep you motivated.
Explanation: The word ambition is the best choice to fill in the gap as it refers to a strong desire to achieve a particular goal.
3. With enough dedication, you can reach any goal.
Explanation: The word goal is the best choice to fill in the gap as it refers to a desired result that a person works to achieve.
4. I have a clear ambition in mind for my future.
Explanation: The word ambition is the best choice to fill in the gap as it refers to a strong desire to achieve a particular goal.
5. Achieving our goal is a team effort.
Explanation: The word goal is the best choice to fill in the gap as it refers to a desired result that a person works to achieve.
6. His ambition is to become a world-renowned chef.
Explanation: The word ambition is the best choice to fill in the gap as it refers to a strong desire to achieve a particular goal.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.