Is ambitious good or bad?

Ambitious is determined to be successful, rich, powerful, etc.

The definition doesn't seem to be negative. Neither does the definition of "ambition". However in Russian language it has negative connotation, even though extremely often erroneously used as positive "purposeful". Is it in English?

Question

Is ambitious good or bad?

Ambitious is determined to be successful, rich, powerful, etc.

The definition doesn't seem to be negative. Neither does the definition of "ambition". However in Russian language it has negative connotation, even though extremely often erroneously used as positive "purposeful". Is it in English?

Answer

It's usually positive when used without an adjective. But an adjective could transform it into something more negative:

His all-consuming ambition knew no bounds.

Answer

In the Shakespeare play 'Julius Caesar' the reason for killing him was that he was ambitious.  But that was in a certain context.

Answer

🍟

Answer

The word is often used with respect, particularly when speaking of a colleague, and not uncommonly with a sense of jealousy or even a feeling of threat.  Maybe all of it together.  Whether it is used as a compliment or a slur does depend on social dynamics.

Answer

“Ambitious” can be good or bad. “Ambition” is usually bad. The “good ambition” is “aspiration”.

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