Ambition is a strong desire to achieve something important or difficult, combined with the willingness to work hard for it. An ambitious student might set a goal to become class president, knowing it will require campaigning, giving speeches, and earning classmates' trust. An ambitious scientist might dedicate years to finding a cure for a disease. An ambitious athlete might train for hours every day, dreaming of competing in the Olympics.

Ambition drives people to reach beyond what's easy or comfortable. It's the force that makes someone practice piano until they master a difficult piece, or study extra hours to truly understand a challenging subject. Without ambition, many of history's greatest achievements, from the pyramids to the moon landing, would never have happened.

The word can also describe goals themselves: you might call a plan ambitious if it's bold and challenging. Building a three-level treehouse would be an ambitious project.

Ambition isn't the same as simply wanting things. It combines desire with determination and effort. Someone with ambition doesn't just wish for success, they're willing to work, persist through setbacks, and keep improving.