English Reference

Word

aim

US/ˈeɪm/

UK/ˈeɪm/

Definitions

01a goal or purpose

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a result that your plans or actions are intended to achieve.

n. a purpose or intention; a desired outcome toward which effort is directed.

“Our main aim is to increase sales by ten percent this year.”

“The primary aim of the research project was to identify the long-term environmental impacts of urban expansion on local water tables.”

02pointing at a target

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of pointing a weapon or an object at a target.

n. the act of directing a weapon or projectile; the ability to hit a target accurately.

“The hunter took careful aim before pulling the trigger.”

“The archer's aim was remarkably steady despite the gusting winds that threatened to pull the arrow off course.”

03to intend or plan

B1 · Intermediate

v. to plan or hope to achieve something.

v. to direct one's efforts or intentions toward a specific goal; often followed by 'to' or 'at'.

“We aim to finish the renovations before the summer holidays start.”

“The new government policy aims at reducing carbon emissions by incentivising the transition to electric public transport.”

Usage

When used as a verb of intention, it is typically followed by an infinitive ('aim to do') or 'at' plus a gerund ('aim at doing').

Pitfall

We aim at finish the project by Friday.

We aim to finish the project by Friday.

When 'aim' is followed by another verb, use the infinitive 'to' + verb.

04to point a weapon

B1 · Intermediate

v. to point a weapon or a camera at a person or thing.

v. to direct a weapon, projectile, or device toward a specific target.

“He aimed the camera at the birds sitting on the fence.”

“The artillery crew aimed the cannon at the distant fortifications, adjusting the elevation based on the spotter's coordinates.”

Usage

Usually takes the preposition 'at'.

Synonyms

05to target an audience

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to design something for a specific group of people.

v. to direct a product, remark, or piece of information toward a specific audience.

“This new television show is aimed at teenagers.”

“The marketing campaign was specifically aimed at young professionals who value sustainable manufacturing over low prices.”

Usage

Often used in the passive voice ('is aimed at').

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “aim” in context.

Verb

01. achieve aim

“She worked hard to achieve her aim of becoming a doctor.”

verb + noun

02. aim remains

“Despite the setbacks, our primary aim remains the same.”

noun + verb

03. state aim

“The government has failed to meet its stated aim of reducing debt.”

verb + noun

04. take aim

“The hunter took aim at the deer but decided not to fire.”

verb + noun

Adjective

05. clear aim

“The project needs a clear aim if it is going to succeed.”

adj + noun

06. main aim

“The main aim of the course is to improve your speaking skills.”

adj + noun

07. ultimate aim

“Our ultimate aim is to become the market leader within five years.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. aim of

“The aim of the meeting is to discuss the new budget.”

noun + prep

09. achieve a primary aim

“The team worked together to achieve a primary aim of the mission.”

10. with the aim of

“He moved to London with the aim of finding a better job.”

Word family

NOUN

aim(B1)

ADJECTIVE

Idioms

01. aim at

02. take aim

Domains

FinanceInternetMilitary

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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