# aspirant

/ˈæspɝənt/ (US) · /ˈæspəɹənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aspirant
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a person who wants to reach an important goal, like a good job or a place at a university, and works hard for it. You use this word for someone trying to become something.

For teachers: a person seeking to attain a particular office, honour, or professional status, usually in competition with others.

## Examples

- She is an aspirant for the national chess team.
- As an aspirant to medical school, he studies biology every evening and volunteers at a local clinic.
- The debate brought together presidential aspirants from across the country to outline their visions for economic reform and public health.

## Pitfalls

- Not "she is aspirant singer" but "she is an aspiring singer" — Aspirant is a noun for the person; use the adjective aspiring before another noun.

## Usage notes

- Typically followed by 'to', 'for', or 'of' to name the position or goal sought.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.