# aspiring

/əˈspaɪɹɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐspˈaɪəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aspiring
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hoping to become

adjective · CEFR B2

used to describe someone who wants to be a particular type of person, like an actor or a writer.

For teachers: describing a person who has ambitions to achieve a particular profession or status; almost always used before a noun.

- The café was full of aspiring actors waiting for their big break.
- The workshop was specifically designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the networking opportunities and capital necessary to launch their first startups.

Usage: Typically functions as an attributive adjective, appearing immediately before the noun it modifies.

## Examples

- The aspiring actress works at a café while she goes to auditions.
- The workshop provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to launch their first small business.
- While the gallery primarily showcases established masters, it also reserves a small annex for aspiring local artists who have yet to secure a solo exhibition.

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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.