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B2 adjective 14 min read

ambizioso

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ambizioso in 30 Seconds

Explanation ambizioso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'ambizioso' as a word used to describe people who want to do big things. Think of it as 'very motivated'. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Lui è ambizioso' (He is ambitious) or 'Io sono ambizioso' (I am ambitious). At this stage, the most important thing is to remember that the ending changes: use -o for a boy and -a for a girl. You don't need to worry about complex meanings yet; just think of it as a positive word for someone who works hard because they want to be successful. It is a good word to use when talking about your future jobs or your studies in a basic way. For example, 'Voglio un lavoro ambizioso' (I want an ambitious job). Even though it's a B2 word, learning it early helps you describe your goals. You will mostly see it in simple descriptions of characters in stories or in basic introductions. Just remember: Ambizioso = wants to succeed. It is like saying 'bravo' but with a focus on the future and big goals. Don't worry about the plural forms yet, just focus on the singular 'ambizioso' and 'ambiziosa'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'ambizioso' to describe not just people, but also simple projects or plans. You should be able to make the adjective agree with plural nouns: 'Loro sono ambiziosi' (They are ambitious) or 'Le mie amiche sono ambiziose' (My female friends are ambitious). You might hear this word in a job interview or when someone is talking about their 'sogni' (dreams). You can also use it with 'molto' (very) or 'un po'' (a little bit) to be more specific. For example: 'Il mio piano per imparare l'italiano è un po' ambizioso' (My plan to learn Italian is a bit ambitious). This shows you understand that the word implies a challenge. You should also recognize the noun 'ambizione' (ambition) and how it relates to the adjective. At this level, you are beginning to see that being 'ambizioso' is generally a good thing in a professional sense. You can use it to describe a character in a movie or a book you are reading for class. 'Il protagonista è un uomo ambizioso che vuole diventare re' (The protagonist is an ambitious man who wants to become king). It's a useful word for building your descriptive vocabulary beyond simple words like 'buono' or 'grande'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'ambizioso' in a variety of contexts, including professional, academic, and personal settings. You understand the nuance that 'ambizioso' can sometimes be used ironically or to describe something that is perhaps 'too much'. You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'È un progetto così ambizioso che richiederà anni di lavoro' (It is such an ambitious project that it will require years of work). You should also be able to compare people or things using this word: 'Mio fratello è più ambizioso di me' (My brother is more ambitious than me). At this stage, you start to notice the word in newspapers or on the news, often referring to 'traguardi ambiziosi' (ambitious milestones) in politics or the economy. You are also aware of the adverb 'ambiziosamente', although it is less common. You can discuss the pros and cons of being an 'ambizioso' person in a conversation class. You understand that while it's a positive trait for a career, it might have social costs. You are beginning to distinguish 'ambizioso' from similar words like 'intraprendente' (enterprising) or 'determinato' (determined), even if you still use them as synonyms sometimes. Your goal at B1 is to use the word naturally in a paragraph about your career goals or a project you are passionate about.

At the B2 level, 'ambizioso' is a word you should use with precision and an understanding of its social connotations. You know that in Italy, calling someone 'troppo ambizioso' can be a subtle criticism, implying they might be an 'arrivista' (social climber). You can use the word to describe abstract concepts like 'una riforma ambiziosa' or 'un'architettura ambiziosa'. You are comfortable with the word's placement in a sentence and can use it before the noun for stylistic effect in writing: 'Il suo ambizioso disegno di legge è stato bocciato' (His ambitious bill was rejected). You understand the etymology (from Latin 'ambitio') and how it relates to seeking favor or 'going around' for support. At this level, you can participate in a debate about whether ambition is a virtue or a vice, using 'ambizioso' and its related forms fluently. You also recognize common collocations like 'obiettivi ambiziosi', 'progetti ambiziosi', and 'sogni ambiziosi'. You can explain the difference between being 'ambizioso' and being 'presuntuoso' (presumptuous). In writing, you use the word to add depth to your descriptions, and in listening, you can catch the speaker's tone—whether they are praising the ambition or mocking its lack of realism. This is the level where the word becomes a standard part of your 'advanced-intermediate' vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, intuitive grasp of 'ambizioso' and its place in the Italian linguistic landscape. You can use it in highly formal or literary contexts, and you are aware of its historical and cultural resonances. You might use it to analyze a character in a classic Italian novel like 'Il Piacere' by D'Annunzio, or to discuss the 'ambizioso' nature of the Italian Renaissance. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when the word is used in different registers—from a slangy, ironic comment among friends to a formal eulogy of a great leader. You can use the word in complex idiomatic expressions and are familiar with its use in high-level journalism and academic writing. Your vocabulary includes all the synonyms and antonyms, and you can explain the exact difference between 'ambizioso', 'ardimentoso', and 'fiero'. You are also capable of using the word to describe complex systems, like 'un sistema operativo ambizioso' or 'una teoria scientifica ambiziosa'. You can handle the word's substantive use ('gli ambiziosi') with ease, discussing the sociology of ambition in modern Italy. For you, 'ambizioso' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for precise cultural and psychological analysis. You can also spot when the word is used as a 'false friend' in translations and correct it with the appropriate Italian equivalent.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'ambizioso' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with absolute precision, often employing it to convey subtle shades of meaning that others might miss. You are aware of the word's usage in historical texts and how its meaning has evolved from the Latin 'ambitio' (the canvassing for votes) to the modern concept of personal drive. You can use 'ambizioso' in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps pairing it with its antonyms to create a balanced argument: 'Un uomo tanto ambizioso nei fini quanto umile nei mezzi' (A man as ambitious in his goals as he is humble in his means). You can write critiques of art, literature, or public policy where 'ambizioso' is used to evaluate the scope and success of an endeavor. You understand the word's role in the 'psicologia collettiva' of Italy, and you can use it to discuss national identity or economic history. There are no grammatical errors in your use of the word, and your pronunciation, including the correct stress on the penultimate syllable (am-bi-zi-Ó-so), is perfect. You can also play with the word's meaning in creative writing, using it metaphorically or in wordplay. At this level, 'ambizioso' is a fully integrated part of your expressive repertoire, used to articulate the highest levels of human aspiration and the complexities of the human will.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ambizioso in 30 Seconds

Ambizioso means having a strong desire to succeed or achieve grand goals, whether in a professional, personal, or creative context.
The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: ambizioso, ambiziosa, ambiziosi, ambiziose.
It can describe both people (motivated individuals) and things (large-scale projects, difficult plans, or visionary works of art).
While usually positive, it can sometimes carry a negative nuance of being overly competitive or a social climber (arrivista).

The Italian word ambizioso is a multi-faceted adjective that serves as a bridge between a person's internal desires and their external actions. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'ambitious' in English, but the cultural weight it carries in Italy is nuanced. In an Italian context, being ambizioso implies a high level of aspiration, a drive to improve one's social or professional standing, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. This word is not just about wanting money; it is about the pursuit of excellence, influence, and the realization of difficult goals. In the competitive landscape of Italian fashion, design, and culinary arts, being described as ambizioso is often a badge of honor, signifying that an individual has the 'grinta' (grit) to succeed in a crowded field.

Professional Context: In a corporate or business environment, ambizioso describes someone who seeks promotions, takes on leadership roles, and envisions large-scale projects. It is frequently used in performance reviews or job descriptions to identify candidates who will push the company forward.

Il giovane manager ha presentato un piano ambizioso per espandere l'azienda in Asia.

However, the word can also carry a slightly cautionary tone. In Italian social circles, if someone is described as 'troppo ambizioso' (too ambitious), it might suggest that they are willing to sacrifice personal relationships or ethical boundaries to achieve their goals. This duality is rooted in the Italian value of 'l'equilibrio' (balance), where professional success should ideally not come at the expense of 'la famiglia' (family) or 'il tempo libero' (free time). Therefore, when using the word, the speaker's tone and the surrounding context are crucial for determining whether it is a compliment or a subtle critique of someone's priorities.

Academic Setting: Students who aim for the 'lode' (honors) and choose the most difficult research topics are considered ambiziosi. It reflects a scholarly dedication that goes beyond the basic requirements of the curriculum.

È una studentessa ambiziosa che aspira a frequentare le migliori università del mondo.

Historically, the concept of ambition in Italy has been tied to the Renaissance ideal of the 'uomo universale'—the universal man who strives for mastery in all fields. This legacy persists today, as the word is often applied to artists, architects, and innovators who attempt to redefine their crafts. When you hear an Italian architect describe a building as un progetto ambizioso, they are referring to the technical difficulty, the aesthetic novelty, and the physical scale of the work. It is a word that denotes courage in the face of potential failure.

Artistic Expression: In the arts, ambizioso characterizes works that attempt to tackle complex themes or utilize innovative techniques. It suggests that the artist is not playing it safe but is instead pushing the boundaries of their medium.

Il regista ha realizzato un film ambizioso sulla storia d'Italia.

Le riforme proposte dal governo sono molto ambiziose.

Ultimately, ambizioso is a word that captures the human spirit's desire to transcend its current state. Whether used to praise a colleague's vision or to describe a friend's career goals, it remains one of the most powerful adjectives in the Italian language for describing motivation and scale. In a society that values both tradition and innovation, the ambizioso individual is the one who respects the past while daring to build a more significant future.

Using ambizioso correctly in Italian requires an understanding of both its grammatical placement and its inflection. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Italian. For example, 'un uomo ambizioso' (an ambitious man) or 'un'idea ambiziosa' (an ambitious idea). Placing the adjective before the noun, such as 'un ambizioso progetto', is less common and often reserved for more literary or formal contexts, where it adds a layer of poetic emphasis to the quality of ambition itself.

Grammatical Agreement: Italian adjectives must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun.
• Masculine Singular: ambizioso (e.g., un ragazzo ambizioso)
• Feminine Singular: ambiziosa (e.g., una ragazza ambiziosa)
• Masculine Plural: ambiziosi (e.g., dei piani ambiziosi)
• Feminine Plural: ambiziose (e.g., delle mete ambiziose)

Maria ha sempre avuto obiettivi ambiziosi per la sua carriera nel diritto internazionale.

When constructing sentences with ambizioso, it is often paired with verbs like 'essere' (to be), 'diventare' (to become), or 'sembrare' (to seem). For instance, 'Lui è molto ambizioso' (He is very ambitious). You can also use adverbs of degree to modify it, such as 'estremamente ambizioso' (extremely ambitious) or 'poco ambizioso' (not very ambitious). This allows for a precise description of the level of drive a person possesses. In professional settings, you might say, 'Cerchiamo una persona ambiziosa e determinata,' which translates to 'We are looking for an ambitious and determined person.'

Prepositional Usage: Sometimes ambizioso is followed by the preposition 'di' (of) to specify what the person is ambitious for. For example, 'essere ambizioso di potere' (to be ambitious for power). However, this construction is more common with the noun 'ambizione' (e.g., 'avere l'ambizione di diventare...').

Nonostante le umili origini, è sempre stato un giovane ambizioso di conoscenza.

In everyday conversation, the word is used to describe personal lifestyle choices as well. You might hear someone say, 'È un viaggio ambizioso,' referring to a trip that covers many cities in a short time. Here, the word shifts slightly from describing a personality trait to describing the 'complexity' or 'difficulty' of an undertaking. This flexibility makes ambizioso a vital part of the Italian speaker's toolkit for describing anything that requires significant effort or vision.

Comparative and Superlative: To compare levels of ambition, use 'più... di' or 'meno... di'.
• 'Lui è più ambizioso di suo fratello.' (He is more ambitious than his brother.)
• Superlative: 'È il progetto più ambizioso della sua vita.' (It is the most ambitious project of his life.)

Questo è senza dubbio il programma più ambizioso mai tentato dalla nostra associazione.

Finally, remember that ambizioso can be used substantively (as a noun) to refer to an ambitious person: 'Gli ambiziosi non si fermano mai' (Ambitious people never stop). This usage is common in philosophical or sociological discussions about human nature and success. By mastering these different sentence patterns, you will be able to express complex ideas about motivation and achievement in Italian with the same nuance as a native speaker.

The word ambizioso resonates through various sectors of Italian life, from the high-stakes world of Milanese finance to the creative studios of Florence and the political chambers of Rome. If you are watching Italian news or reading a newspaper like Il Corriere della Sera, you will frequently encounter this word in the context of economic reforms or political agendas. Politicians often describe their legislative goals as ambiziosi to signal to the public that they are taking bold steps toward progress, even if critics might use the same word to suggest the goals are unrealistic.

Business and Finance: In the 'quartiere affari' (business district) of Milan, ambizioso is a constant. It appears in quarterly reports to describe growth targets and in networking events where entrepreneurs pitch their 'startup ambiziose'. It is a word that commands respect in these circles.

L'amministratore delegato ha delineato una strategia ambiziosa per il prossimo triennio.

In the realm of Italian entertainment and media, the word is often used to describe high-budget television series or cinematic epics. When a director attempts something that has never been done in Italian cinema—such as a complex sci-fi movie or a sprawling historical drama—critics will invariably label it un'opera ambiziosa. You will hear this during interviews on talk shows like Che Tempo Che Fa, where actors and directors discuss the 'sfide' (challenges) of their latest 'progetti ambiziosi'. It signifies a departure from the safe, traditional 'commedia all'italiana'.

Sports Journalism: Listen to sports commentators on Sky Sport Italia or La Gazzetta dello Sport. They will describe a mid-table football team that signs a star player as having 'progetti ambiziosi'. It indicates a desire to break into the top tier of the league.

Il Napoli è un club ambizioso che punta sempre alla vetta della classifica.

In daily social life, you might hear the word used in a more personal, sometimes gossipy way. When friends discuss a mutual acquaintance who is working two jobs and studying for a degree, they might say 'È proprio un tipo ambizioso.' In this context, it is a mix of admiration and perhaps a little bit of exhaustion on behalf of the person. It is also a common word in dating contexts or when discussing family expectations, where parents might hope for an 'ambizioso' future for their children, often meaning a stable and high-status profession like a doctor or lawyer.

Education and Career Advice: Career counselors in Italian universities often urge students to be more ambiziosi in their internship searches, encouraging them to look beyond local opportunities toward international organizations.

Non aver paura di essere ambizioso quando scrivi il tuo curriculum vitae.

Whether it's the 'ambizioso' goal of a marathon runner or the 'ambiziosa' restructuring of a government department, this word is everywhere in Italy. It captures the nation's constant push-and-pull between its deep-rooted traditions and its desire to remain a leading global force in the modern world. Hearing it frequently will help you understand the specific 'vibe' of different Italian environments—from the high-pressure boardrooms to the aspirational conversations in a local bar.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using ambizioso is failing to account for gender and number agreement. In English, 'ambitious' is static. In Italian, if you are talking about a group of women, you must use ambiziose. Saying 'Le donne sono ambizioso' is a jarring error for a native speaker. Always look at the noun first: is it masculine or feminine? Is it singular or plural? This is the golden rule of Italian adjectives, and ambizioso is no exception.

Confusion with 'Arrogante': A subtle but significant mistake is using ambizioso when you actually mean 'arrogante' (arrogant) or 'presuntuoso' (presumptuous). While an ambitious person might be arrogant, the words are not synonyms. Ambizioso relates to goals and drive; arrogante relates to attitude towards others. Using them interchangeably can mischaracterize someone's personality.

Sbagliato: È così ambizioso che non ascolta nessuno. (Better: È così arrogante...)

Another common pitfall is the misuse of prepositions. English speakers often want to say 'ambitious for' and translate it literally. While 'ambizioso di' exists (as in 'ambizioso di gloria'), it is much more natural in Italian to use the noun form 'ambizione' with the preposition 'di' followed by an infinitive. For example, instead of saying 'Lui è ambizioso di vincere,' it sounds more native to say 'Ha l'ambizione di vincere.' Using the adjective with a long prepositional phrase can sometimes make the sentence feel clunky or 'translated' rather than natural.

The 'False Friend' Trap: Be careful not to confuse ambizioso with 'avido' (greedy). While both involve wanting more, avido is almost exclusively negative and relates to an insatiable desire for possessions or money. Ambizioso is much broader and often positive, focusing on achievement and self-improvement.

Corretto: Un imprenditore ambizioso vuole far crescere la sua azienda. (Not: un imprenditore avido, unless you mean he is specifically greedy for money.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the placement of ambizioso when used with other adjectives. If you want to say someone is 'ambitious and young,' the standard order is 'un giovane ambizioso.' If you say 'un ambizioso giovane,' it sounds like you are writing a 19th-century novel. Stick to the 'Noun + Adjective' order for 95% of your conversations to avoid sounding overly dramatic or archaic. Also, watch out for the spelling: it's 'ambizioso' with a 'z', not 'ambitioso' as in the Latin root or the English 'ambitious'.

Overusing the Word: Avoid using ambizioso for every single goal. If a goal is just 'hard,' use 'difficile' or 'impegnativo'. Reserve ambizioso for things that truly require a 'vision' or a large-scale aspiration. Calling a grocery list 'ambizioso' might be seen as a joke (irony), but in serious speech, it should be used for significant endeavors.

Ironico: Hai un menù molto ambizioso per questa cena di soli due invitati!

Finally, be mindful of the difference between ambizioso (the trait) and ambìto (the desired object). 'Un posto ambizioso' would mean a place that has ambition (which makes little sense), whereas 'un posto ambìto' means a 'coveted position' or a place everyone wants to get into. This is a common error at the B2 level where learners mix up adjectives and past participles used as adjectives. Keep these distinctions in mind, and your use of ambizioso will be both accurate and sophisticated.

To truly master Italian, you need to know when to use ambizioso and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Italian is a language of precision, and shifting your vocabulary can change the entire tone of a sentence. A very close relative is intraprendente (enterprising). While an ambizioso person has the goal, an intraprendente person has the initiative to start the work. You might be ambitious but lazy; you cannot be 'intraprendente' and lazy.

Ambizioso vs. Intraprendente: Ambizioso: Focuses on the scale of the goal and the desire for success.
Intraprendente: Focuses on the ability to take action and find new opportunities.
Example: 'È un ragazzo intraprendente che ha già aperto tre negozi.'

Mentre lui è ambizioso e sogna la gloria, suo fratello è più pratico e intraprendente.

Another alternative is determinato (determined). This word is often used as a synonym for ambizioso but with a more positive, focused connotation. If you call someone determinato, you are praising their willpower and persistence. It lacks the potential negative baggage of 'social climbing' that ambizioso sometimes carries. In a job interview, saying 'Sono una persona determinata' is often safer and more focused on work ethic than saying 'Sono una persona molto ambiziosa', which might make a manager worry you'll want their job in six months!

Ambizioso vs. Arrivista: Ambizioso: Neutral to positive; having high goals.
Arrivista: Purely negative; a 'social climber' who uses any means to get to the top.
Example: 'Non fidarti di lui, è un arrivista senza scrupoli.'

C'è una sottile linea tra l'essere ambizioso e l'essere un semplice arrivista.

For projects and ideas, you can use ardito (bold/daring) or impegnativo (demanding). An ardito project is one that shows bravery and originality, often in an artistic or architectural sense. An impegnativo project is one that simply requires a lot of work and time. If you want to emphasize that a task is big but not necessarily about 'ambition,' impegnativo is your best choice. For example, 'Studiare il cinese è molto impegnativo' (Studying Chinese is very demanding).

Contextual Alternatives: • Vasto: For physical scale (e.g., 'un vasto programma').
• Pretenzioso: If the ambition is unearned or annoying (e.g., 'un libro pretenzioso').
• Sognatore: If the ambition is more about fantasy than reality (e.g., 'un grande sognatore').

Il suo stile è spesso giudicato ambizioso, ma alcuni lo trovano semplicemente pretenzioso.

In conclusion, while ambizioso is a powerful and versatile word, knowing these alternatives allows you to paint a more detailed picture. Whether you are describing a 'determinata' athlete, an 'intraprendente' entrepreneur, or an 'arrivista' politician, choosing the right word will demonstrate your deep understanding of Italian social dynamics and character traits. Use ambizioso when the scale of the dream is the focus, and reach for synonyms when you want to highlight the method or the moral quality of that dream.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La nostra azienda persegue obiettivi ambiziosi nel settore delle energie rinnovabili."

Neutral

"È un ragazzo ambizioso che studia molto."

Informal

"Caspita, che piano ambizioso che hai!"

Child friendly

"Il piccolo scoiattolo era ambizioso e voleva raccogliere tutte le noci del bosco."

Slang

"Quello è un tipo troppo ambizioso, occhio."

Fun Fact

The word originally had a slightly negative political meaning in Rome, referring to the 'canvassing' or 'wheedling' of voters to gain power.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /am.bit.tsi.'o.zo/

US /am.bit.tsi.'o.zo/

am-bi-zi-Ó-so

Rhymes With

prezioso curioso grazioso silenzioso famoso ozioso coraggioso maestoso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'z' like a soft 's' (it should be 'ts').
Putting the stress on the 'i' (it should be on the 'o').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is easy to recognize for English speakers but requires context to understand the nuance.

Writing 4/5

Spelling with 'z' and gender/number agreement are the main challenges.

Speaking 4/5

The 'ts' pronunciation of 'z' and the stress placement need practice.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but often used in fast-paced professional speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bravo grande lavoro sogno volere

Learn Next

determinato intraprendente traguardo carriera fallimento

Advanced

egemonia pretenzioso arrivismo lungimirante instancabile

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La ragazza (f.s.) è ambiziosa (f.s.).

Adjective Placement

Un progetto (noun) ambizioso (adj).

Superlatives

Il più ambizioso di tutti.

Adverbs from Adjectives

Ambizioso -> Ambiziosamente.

Prepositional Phrases

Ambizioso di gloria.

Examples by Level

Lui è un ragazzo molto ambizioso.

He is a very ambitious boy.

Subject + Verb + Adjective (masculine singular).

Maria è ambiziosa.

Maria is ambitious.

Subject + Verb + Adjective (feminine singular).

Siamo studenti ambiziosi.

We are ambitious students.

Subject + Verb + Adjective (masculine plural).

Io ho un sogno ambizioso.

I have an ambitious dream.

Noun (masculine) + Adjective (masculine).

Lei non è molto ambiziosa.

She is not very ambitious.

Negation (non) + Adjective agreement.

Il mio amico è ambizioso.

My friend is ambitious.

Possessive + Noun + Adjective.

Le ragazze sono ambiziose.

The girls are ambitious.

Subject (feminine plural) + Adjective (feminine plural).

È un lavoro ambizioso?

Is it an ambitious job?

Question form with adjective.

Ho un piano ambizioso per l'estate.

I have an ambitious plan for the summer.

Adjective modifying 'piano' (masculine).

Loro hanno progetti molto ambiziosi.

They have very ambitious projects.

Plural agreement (progetti -> ambiziosi).

Diventerò un'attrice ambiziosa.

I will become an ambitious actress.

Future tense + feminine agreement.

Non è un obiettivo troppo ambizioso?

Isn't it too ambitious a goal?

Use of 'troppo' (too) to modify the adjective.

Le sue idee sono sempre ambiziose.

Her ideas are always ambitious.

Feminine plural agreement (idee -> ambiziose).

Cerchiamo personale ambizioso per il negozio.

We are looking for ambitious staff for the shop.

Collective noun 'personale' takes masculine singular.

Sei un tipo ambizioso, vero?

You are an ambitious type, right?

'Tipo' (type/guy) is masculine.

Questa è una meta ambiziosa per noi.

This is an ambitious goal for us.

Feminine singular agreement (meta -> ambiziosa).

Mio fratello è più ambizioso di quanto sembri.

My brother is more ambitious than he seems.

Comparative structure 'più... di quanto'.

Il governo ha presentato un programma ambizioso.

The government presented an ambitious program.

Standard Noun + Adjective order in formal context.

È difficile trovare giovani così ambiziosi oggi.

It's hard to find such ambitious young people today.

'Così' (so/such) used as an intensifier.

Nonostante le difficoltà, lei resta ambiziosa.

Despite the difficulties, she remains ambitious.

Use of 'nonostante' (despite) with the adjective.

Questi sono gli obiettivi più ambiziosi della mia carriera.

These are the most ambitious goals of my career.

Relative superlative (il più... di).

L'azienda ha una visione ambiziosa del futuro.

The company has an ambitious vision of the future.

Feminine singular agreement (visione -> ambiziosa).

Lui non è ambizioso, vuole solo una vita tranquilla.

He is not ambitious, he just wants a quiet life.

Contrast using 'non... solo'.

Le riforme sono ambiziose ma necessarie.

The reforms are ambitious but necessary.

Coordinating conjunction 'ma' (but).

Il suo progetto ambizioso ha attirato molti investitori.

His ambitious project attracted many investors.

Adjective placement can sometimes imply inherent quality.

È un'opera ambiziosa che sfida i canoni tradizionali.

It is an ambitious work that challenges traditional canons.

Use of 'che' (that) to describe the ambitious work.

Molti lo considerano un uomo troppo ambizioso e spietato.

Many consider him a too ambitious and ruthless man.

Nuance: 'ambizioso' paired with 'spietato' (ruthless).

Abbiamo fissato dei traguardi ambiziosi per questo trimestre.

We have set ambitious milestones for this quarter.

Partitive article 'dei' with plural adjective.

La sua carriera è stata segnata da scelte ambiziose.

Her career has been marked by ambitious choices.

Passive voice construction.

Essere ambiziosi significa anche sapersi assumere dei rischi.

Being ambitious also means knowing how to take risks.

Substantive use of the adjective in the plural.

Il regista ha tentato un'operazione ambiziosa con questo film.

The director attempted an ambitious operation with this film.

'Operazione' used metaphorically for a project.

Non c'è nulla di male nell'essere ambiziosi.

There is nothing wrong with being ambitious.

'Nulla di male' followed by 'nell'essere'.

Il disegno ambizioso del monarca mirava all'egemonia europea.

The monarch's ambitious design aimed at European hegemony.

Literary use of 'disegno' as 'plan/scheme'.

Si tratta di una sfida ambiziosa che richiede competenze trasversali.

It is an ambitious challenge that requires cross-disciplinary skills.

Formal phrase 'si tratta di' (it is about).

L'architetto ha proposto una riqualificazione urbana ambiziosa.

The architect proposed an ambitious urban redevelopment.

Specific professional terminology (riqualificazione urbana).

La sua prosa è ambiziosa, ricca di metafore e riferimenti colti.

His prose is ambitious, rich in metaphors and learned references.

Adjective describing an artistic/literary style.

Nonostante il fallimento, il tentativo rimarrà un esempio ambizioso.

Despite the failure, the attempt will remain an ambitious example.

Future tense 'rimarrà' (will remain).

Gli ambiziosi spesso trascurano gli affetti più cari.

Ambitious people often neglect their dearest loved ones.

Substantive use (the ambitious ones).

È un'analisi ambiziosa che cerca di spiegare la crisi globale.

It is an ambitious analysis that seeks to explain the global crisis.

Abstract noun 'analisi' modified by 'ambiziosa'.

L'opera si presenta come il punto più ambizioso della sua produzione.

The work presents itself as the most ambitious point of his production.

Reflexive 'si presenta' (presents itself).

L'ambizioso afflato poetico dell'autore traspare in ogni verso.

The author's ambitious poetic inspiration shines through in every verse.

High-level literary term 'afflato' (inspiration).

La politica estera del paese è diventata sempre più ambiziosa.

The country's foreign policy has become increasingly ambitious.

Adverbial phrase 'sempre più' (more and more).

Il trattato delinea un quadro normativo estremamente ambizioso.

The treaty outlines an extremely ambitious regulatory framework.

Technical legal terminology (quadro normativo).

Resta da vedere se questi piani ambiziosi troveranno attuazione.

It remains to be seen if these ambitious plans will be implemented.

Idiomatic 'resta da vedere' (it remains to be seen).

Il suo era un progetto ambizioso, quasi utopico, per la società.

His was an ambitious, almost utopian, project for society.

Use of 'quasi utopico' to qualify the ambition.

L'ambizioso tentativo di sintesi tra scienza e fede fallì miseramente.

The ambitious attempt at a synthesis between science and faith failed miserably.

Complex subject with 'tentativo di sintesi'.

Ella era ambiziosa di gloria, incurante delle critiche altrui.

She was ambitious for glory, indifferent to the criticism of others.

Archaic/Literary 'ambizioso di' + noun.

L'ambiziosa architettura del palazzo rifletteva la potenza della dinastia.

The palace's ambitious architecture reflected the power of the dynasty.

Adjective placement emphasizing the quality of the building.

Common Collocations

progetto ambizioso

obiettivo ambizioso

piano ambizioso

programma ambizioso

persona ambiziosa

giovane ambizioso

traguardo ambizioso

sogno ambizioso

riforma ambiziosa

carriera ambiziosa

Common Phrases

essere ambizioso di

— To have a strong desire for a specific thing like glory or power.

È ambizioso di potere.

un tipo ambizioso

— A way to describe someone's personality type as driven.

Marco è un tipo ambizioso.

troppo ambizioso

— Suggests that a goal is unrealistic or a person is too driven.

Quel piano mi sembra troppo ambizioso.

poco ambizioso

— Describes a goal that is too easy or a person without drive.

È un obiettivo poco ambizioso per te.

ambizioso a tal punto che

— Used to show the extent of someone's ambition.

È ambizioso a tal punto che non dorme mai.

spirito ambizioso

— A mindset focused on high achievement.

Ha uno spirito ambizioso.

progetti ambiziosi per il futuro

— Commonly used in interviews or business presentations.

Quali sono i tuoi progetti ambiziosi per il futuro?

mirare a qualcosa di ambizioso

— To aim for something significant.

Dobbiamo mirare a qualcosa di più ambizioso.

un'opera ambiziosa

— Used for complex artistic or literary works.

La Divina Commedia è un'opera ambiziosa.

diventare ambizioso

— The process of developing a drive for success.

È diventato ambizioso dopo il primo successo.

Often Confused With

ambizioso vs ambìto

'Ambìto' means 'coveted' or 'desired' (e.g., a coveted prize), while 'ambizioso' is the person or project that has the ambition.

ambizioso vs arrogante

'Arrogante' is about attitude toward others, 'ambizioso' is about goals.

ambizioso vs avido

'Avido' is specifically about greed for money or things.

Idioms & Expressions

"avere le ali ai piedi"

— To be very fast or driven toward a goal.

Con quel progetto, sembra avere le ali ai piedi.

informal

"puntare in alto"

— To aim high; to have big ambitions.

Devi sempre puntare in alto se vuoi riuscire.

neutral

"fare il passo più lungo della gamba"

— To take on a project that is too ambitious for one's abilities.

Attento a non fare il passo più lungo della gamba.

informal

"avere fame di successo"

— To be very hungry for success; extremely ambitious.

Quei giovani hanno fame di successo.

neutral

"volare alto"

— To have grand, noble ambitions or ideas.

I suoi sogni lo portano a volare alto.

literary

"mordere il freno"

— To be impatient to start an ambitious task.

È un ragazzo ambizioso che morde il freno.

informal

"mettere troppa carne al fuoco"

— To take on too many ambitious projects at once.

Non mettere troppa carne al fuoco o non finirai nulla.

informal

"toccare il cielo con un dito"

— To achieve an ambitious dream and feel immense joy.

Quando ha vinto, ha toccato il cielo con un dito.

neutral

"non stare nella pelle"

— To be very excited about an ambitious plan.

Non sta nella pelle per il suo nuovo progetto.

informal

"bruciare le tappe"

— To reach an ambitious goal faster than expected.

Ha bruciato le tappe diventando manager a 25 anni.

neutral

Easily Confused

ambizioso vs ambizioso

Sounds like 'ambitious' but needs agreement.

English 'ambitious' is gender-neutral; Italian 'ambizioso' is not.

She is ambitious (EN) -> Lei è ambiziosa (IT).

ambizioso vs aspirante

Both involve wanting a goal.

'Aspirante' is used for a specific role (aspirante medico), 'ambizioso' is a general trait.

È un ambizioso aspirante medico.

ambizioso vs pretenzioso

Both involve high goals.

'Pretenzioso' is negative and implies the quality is not actually there.

Il suo libro è pretenzioso, non ambizioso.

ambizioso vs intraprendente

Both involve success.

'Intraprendente' focuses on taking action, 'ambizioso' on the goal.

È un ragazzo intraprendente e ambizioso.

ambizioso vs fiero

Both can imply a high status.

'Fiero' is 'proud', 'ambizioso' is 'driven'.

È fiero del suo progetto ambizioso.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + essere + ambizioso/a

Io sono ambizioso.

Ho un/una + noun + ambizioso/a

Ho un piano ambizioso.

È un + noun + molto ambizioso

È un progetto molto ambizioso.

Più ambizioso di + noun

Lui è più ambizioso di me.

Considerare + noun + ambizioso

Lo considero un uomo ambizioso.

Essere ambiziosi significa + infinitive

Essere ambiziosi significa lavorare sodo.

Un ambizioso + noun (literary)

Un ambizioso disegno.

Ambizioso di + abstract noun

Ambizioso di conoscenza.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in professional and media contexts.

Common Mistakes

Le donne sono ambizioso. → Le donne sono ambiziose.
Adjectives must agree in gender and number. 'Donne' is feminine plural.
Lui è un ambizioso di vincere. → Lui ha l'ambizione di vincere.
While 'ambizioso di' + noun exists, using the noun 'ambizione' + 'di' + infinitive is more natural for actions.
Questo è un ambizioso sedia. → Questa sedia ha un design ambizioso (or just: 'è una sedia particolare').
'Ambizioso' is rarely used for physical everyday objects. Use it for plans or works of art.
Pronouncing 'ambizioso' like 'am-bi-zio-so' (soft z). → Pronounce it 'am-bit-tsi-o-so'.
The Italian 'z' in this position is almost always unvoiced 'ts'.
Using 'ambizioso' as a synonym for 'arrogante'. → Use 'arrogante' for bad attitude and 'ambizioso' for high goals.
They are different traits; one can be ambitious but very humble.

Tips

Agreement Check

Always look at the noun. If it's 'le riforme', the adjective must be 'ambiziose'. This is the most common error for learners.

Nuance Matters

Use 'ambizioso' for big dreams and 'impegnativo' for things that are just hard work. This makes your Italian sound more precise.

The Arrivista Danger

Be careful when describing people. If you say someone is 'molto ambizioso', follow it with a positive trait like 'ma onesto' to avoid sounding like you're calling them a social climber.

The Double Z

The 'z' in Italian often sounds like 'ts'. Practice saying 'am-bit-tsi-o-so' slowly to get the rhythm right.

Literary Placement

In a formal essay, placing 'ambizioso' before the noun (e.g., 'un ambizioso progetto') can make your writing look very sophisticated.

Interviews

When asked about your strengths, use 'ambizioso' but explain it as a desire to grow and learn, rather than just wanting power.

Keyword Spotting

When listening to the news, 'ambizioso' is a 'keyword' that tells you a big change or a major project is being discussed.

Adverb Alternative

Instead of the long 'ambiziosamente', try using 'con grande ambizione'. It often flows better in a sentence.

Complimenting Projects

Calling someone's idea 'un progetto ambizioso' is a great way to show you respect their vision and the effort they are putting in.

Latin Link

Remember that 'ambire' means to go around. An ambitious person is someone who 'goes around' to make things happen!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'AM-BIT-ZIOSO'. You want a BIG 'BIT' of the 'Z-O' (Zone of success).

Visual Association

Imagine a person climbing a very tall ladder toward a star in the sky. The ladder represents the 'ambizioso' plan.

Word Web

Successo Lavoro Sogno Meta Potere Studio Fama Denaro

Challenge

Write three sentences about your most 'ambizioso' goal for next year, making sure to use the correct gender agreement.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'ambitiosus', derived from 'ambitio' (ambition).

Original meaning: In Latin, it originally meant 'going around' (from 'ambire'), specifically candidates going around to solicit votes.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Avoid calling someone 'troppo ambizioso' unless you intend to criticize their lack of balance between work and life.

In English, 'ambitious' is almost always a positive professional trait. In Italian, it can sometimes imply someone is a bit too aggressive in their social climbing.

Niccolò Machiavelli's 'Il Principe' discusses the 'ambizione' of rulers. The character of Zeno Cosini in Svevo's 'La coscienza di Zeno' struggles with his lack of 'ambizione'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

Sono molto ambizioso.
Cerco una sfida ambiziosa.
Ho obiettivi ambiziosi.

Architecture

Un progetto ambizioso.
Un'opera ambiziosa.
Un disegno ambizioso.

Politics

Riforme ambiziose.
Un programma ambizioso.
Un traguardo ambizioso.

Education

Uno studente ambizioso.
Un tema ambizioso.
Ambizioni accademiche.

Sports

Un atleta ambizioso.
Una squadra ambiziosa.
Vincere è un obiettivo ambizioso.

Conversation Starters

"Ti consideri una persona ambiziosa o preferisci una vita tranquilla?"

"Qual è il progetto più ambizioso che hai mai realizzato?"

"Pensi che essere troppo ambiziosi possa rovinare i rapporti personali?"

"Secondo te, qual è la città più ambiziosa d'Italia?"

"Hai mai avuto un sogno così ambizioso da sembrare impossibile?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi un momento della tua vita in cui sei stato particolarmente ambizioso e cosa hai ottenuto.

Scrivi dei tuoi obiettivi ambiziosi per i prossimi cinque anni in termini di carriera e vita personale.

Pensi che la società moderna ci spinga a essere troppo ambiziosi? Esponi il tuo punto di vista.

Quale personaggio storico consideri il più ambizioso e perché? Descrivi le sue imprese.

Rifletti sulla differenza tra essere ambiziosi ed essere avidi. Dove tracci la linea?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not always. While usually positive in business, in personal contexts it can sometimes imply that someone is too focused on themselves or their career, potentially neglecting other aspects of life. Context and tone are key.

The adverb is 'ambiziosamente'. However, Italians often prefer phrases like 'con ambizione' (with ambition) or 'in modo ambizioso' (in an ambitious way) to avoid the long adverb.

Usually no. It is reserved for things that are grand, difficult, or visionary. Using it for a small task like 'cleaning the room' would be seen as ironic or a joke.

The feminine plural is 'ambiziose'. For example: 'Le tue idee sono molto ambiziose.'

'Ambizioso' focuses on the desire for high status or grand goals. 'Determinato' focuses on the willpower and persistence to finish any task, whether grand or small.

Yes, you can use it as a noun to mean 'an ambitious person'. Example: 'Gli ambiziosi non si accontentano mai' (Ambitious people are never satisfied).

It is unvoiced, sounding like 'ts' (as in 'cats' or 'pizza'), not like the 'z' in 'zebra'.

You can say 'Sono una persona ambiziosa e mi piace pormi obiettivi difficili' (I am an ambitious person and I like to set difficult goals for myself).

Common opposites include 'pigro' (lazy), 'modesto' (modest), or 'poco ambizioso' (not very ambitious).

Yes, but only in the sense of projects, plans, or works of art. You wouldn't call a chair 'ambizioso' unless its design was incredibly grand and visionary.