Ambitionist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An individual who exhibits a fervent drive for personal success and consistently works towards their aspirations while demonstrating an unyielding commitment to advancement
2. A person characterized by intense determination to achieve high goals and continual self-improvement
3. Someone who pursues personal advancement with great zeal and persistent effort

Etymology: "Ambitionist" is a plain formation: the noun "ambition" with the suffix "-ist," which turns a noun into a word for a person who practices or pursues something. The suffix is the same one found in "novelist" or "violinist," so the word simply names someone defined by a devotion to ambition. The base is older and more striking. "Ambition" comes from Latin "ambitio," which literally meant a going around, especially the going about from door to door seeking votes or favour. Roman candidates for office canvassed in this way, so the original sense was closer to campaigning than to inner drive. The meaning moved from public courting of support toward the private urge to rise, which is why the modern noun can sound slightly suspicious.