Ambitious

hrsaneiIs ambitious a positive or disaproving adjective?
When we say he is ambitious, what exactly are we thinking of him?
For instance, can we use this adjective when we want to praise someone?

You might consider Shakespeare's words in Julius Caesar:

Mark Antony - I did not come to praise Caesar, but to bury him.

hrsaneiWhen we say he is ambitious, what exactly are we thinking of him?

I don't know. This word is highly dependent on context.

It's disapproving when it means "power-hungry", "taking advantage of the weakness of others to put yourself ahead of them". This meaning is usually more often intended within the sphere of politics or business.

It

Thanks Avangi.

Thanks Jim.

So it is better to use self seeking or go getting to make ourselves clear what concept we intend to convey.

hrsaneiSo it is better to use self seeking or go getting to make ourselves clear what concept we intend to convey.

Not necessarily. ambitious is a good word. You just have to be careful to set up the context so that the reader knows which meaning you intend.

Nevertheless, you can use those other words as well, of course.

CJ

CalifJim the most common use I'm aware of is in the negative to disapprove of someone's laziness or lack of any desire to improve himself.

I just want to echo and stress Jim's point about the negative use being the most common, whenever "ambitious" is viewed as a good thing.

You are NOT ambitious enough. (mos