How to Pronounce Ambitious

To pronounce "ambitious", say AMB-it-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

ambitious

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/æmˈbɪʃ.əs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ambitious”

"ambitious" has 3 syllables: amb-it-ious. It rhymes with capricious and pernicious, if that helps it stick.

What does ambitious mean?

adjective

(of a person or their character) Having or showing ambition; wanting a lot of power, honor, respect, superiority, or other distinction.
“an ambitious person”
(followed by "of" or the infinitive) Very desirous

Synonyms

aspiring showy

Antonyms

nonambitious unambitious

Hear “ambitious” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with ambitious

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

capricious pernicious surreptitious auspicious propitious judicious malicious vicious expeditious fictitious suspicious factitious

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ambitious"?▾

"Ambitious" has 3 syllables: amb · it · ious.

What is the IPA transcription of "ambitious"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ambitious" is /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/.

What does "ambitious" mean?▾

Ambitious: (of a person or their character) Having or showing ambition; wanting a lot of power, honor, respect, superiority, or other distinction.

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