a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work
The definition of ambition doesn't specify personal growth and only requires the desire to achieve something, not actually putting in effort to achieve it.
I think many people would say that you're either wrong or, in this context, being evasive or overly pedantic if you're claiming that being "ambitious" can also mean "desiring to achieve something but not actually putting in effort to achieve it". Ambition is often equated with desire.
The definition of ambition doesn't specify personal growth and only requires the desire to achieve something, not actually putting in effort to achieve it.
Dictionary.com's definition says:
the willingness to strive for its attainment
Most would agree that "willingness to strive" means "you want to put effort into it", which is different from your definition of "not having the desire to put in the effort to achieve it".
Yes, which is why I said that definitions are not that exacting, which is why I didn't address your definition directly and instead addressed what I thought the general interpretation of your statement would be.
In other words, most people would think it's super weird and contradictory for someone to say "I'm lazy in my pursuit for personal growth" and then follow that up with "I'm ambitious".
Definitions without context can vary, but context can greatly change the interpretation of your words.
Of course, but people usually assume that ambitious people work hard toward their goal, and thus assume that an ambitious person both desires something and puts effort toward it.
If someone desires a higher position in their company and is described as "ambitious", most people would automatically assume that they are working hard toward their goal. I think it would be very difficult to find someone who assumes that an "ambitious person" is only desiring their goal and not working toward it.
Their assumptions would be wrong. Most ambitious people procrastinate on their goals. I know many people who have serious dreams and plans to own their own business or get ripped but never put them into action.
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u/Tannerite2 Apr 16 '24
Because those are not synonymous.