What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dreams
Example
I had a strange dream last night about flying in the sky. [dream: noun]
Example
My dream is to become a successful musician someday. [dream: noun]
Example
It's just a dream to think we could travel to Mars in our lifetime. [dream: noun]
ambition
Example
Her ambition to become a doctor led her to study hard and pursue a medical degree. [ambition: noun]
Example
He is an ambitious young man who wants to make a difference in the world. [ambitious: adjective]
Example
The company's ambitious plan to expand globally requires careful planning and execution. [ambitious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dreams and ambitions are both commonly used in everyday language, but ambitions are more frequently used in professional and academic contexts. Dreams are often associated with personal goals and desires, while ambitions are associated with career goals, academic achievements, and other measurable outcomes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dreams and ambition?
Ambition is generally considered more formal than dreams. Ambition is often used in professional and academic contexts, while dreams are more commonly used in informal conversations and personal reflections.