unambitious

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ʌnˈæm.bɪ.ʃəs/

KK: /ʌnˈæmbɪʃəs/

adjective

Definition

Not having a strong desire to succeed or achieve goals.

Example

He is unambitious and prefers a quiet life without much competition.

Conversation

I feel like some people are just too unambitious these days.

Yeah, it's like they don't even try to reach their goals.

Exactly! It makes me appreciate those who are driven and passionate.

Totally! Ambition can really change someone's life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

apathetic

indifferent

unmotivated

Antonyms

ambitious

driven

aspirational

Root Explanation

Unambitious → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "ambitious" (from Latin "ambitiosus", meaning eager for advancement or fame). The word "unambitious" means not eager for advancement or lacking ambition.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'eager for advancement' ('ambitious') — that's why unambitious means lacking that eagerness.

Visually Confused Words