Vision vs. Ambition: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
Vision is the ability to think about the future with imagination or wisdom, while ambition is a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.
Key Differences
Vision pertains to one’s ability to conceptualize future plans or goals with imagination, insight, or wisdom. It involves creating a mental picture of what one hopes to achieve or where one sees themselves in the future. In contrast, ambition is the eager or strong desire to achieve something, such as a specific goal or a certain status. It’s the driving force that propels individuals to pursue their goals with determination and diligence. These concepts are interrelated; vision helps in defining the pathway, and ambition acts as the fuel driving individuals toward their envisioned future.
Vision is inherently imaginative and forward-looking, requiring an individual to think beyond the present and existing circumstances. It is more about having a perspective or foreseeing what can be achieved in the long run. On the other hand, ambition is more about the passion, the yearning to achieve and the willingness to strive hard to reach goals. It does not necessarily entail having a broader perspective of the future but is more concerned with the achievement of specific objectives, and it manifests in the relentless pursuit of those goals.
The concept of vision can also relate to one’s ability to perceive, think about, or plan the future with clarity and wisdom. It is not bound by the constraints of what currently exists and allows one to imagine possibilities that are not immediately apparent. Conversely, ambition is about having the motivation and the resolve to work toward one’s goals. It is often associated with a sense of purpose and a willingness to overcome obstacles and challenges in the pursuit of one’s objectives. It’s the driving force that moves one to action to fulfill their vision.
In summary, vision and ambition are integral components in the pursuit of goals. Vision is the foresight or projection of what one aims to achieve in the future, the ability to see beyond the present and imagine what could be. Ambition, conversely, is the earnest desire and determination to achieve goals, the motivating force that drives individuals to overcome challenges and attain their dreams. While vision lays out the roadmap for the future, ambition fuels the journey towards realizing that envisioned future.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Conceptualization of future plans or goals
Eager or strong desire to achieve something
ADVERTISEMENT
Nature
Imaginative, Forward-looking
Determined, Passionate
Focus
Long-term perspective, Future possibilities
Achievement of specific goals
Role
Provides direction, clarity
Acts as the driving force, motivator
Dependency
Can exist without ambition
Often requires a vision to be directed properly
Vision and Ambition Definitions
Vision
The faculty or state of being able to see.
The patient’s vision improved after the surgery.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ambition
The desire for personal advancement or preferment.
His ambition motivated him to work late hours.
Vision
The mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case.
The architect had a vision of creating an eco-friendly building.
Ambition
A strong desire to do or achieve something.
Her ambition led her to start her own business.
Vision
A clear concept or idea.
The entrepreneur had a vision of making the technology accessible to everyone.
Ambition
The desire to be successful, wealthy, or powerful.
Driven by ambition, she sought to gain influence in the political arena.
Vision
The faculty of sight; eyesight
Poor vision.
Ambition
An earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction and the willingness to strive for it.
His ambition to become a doctor was driven by a desire to help others.
Vision
Something that is or has been seen.
Ambition
A goal or objective desired.
Becoming a published author was her greatest ambition.
Vision
Unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight
A leader of vision.
Ambition
An eager or strong desire to achieve something, such as fame or power.
Vision
The manner in which one sees or conceives of something.
Ambition
The object or goal desired
Her ambition is the presidency.
Vision
A mental image produced by the imagination.
Ambition
Desire for exertion or activity; energy
Had no ambition to go dancing.
Vision
The mystical experience of seeing something that is not in fact present to the eye or is supernatural.
Ambition
Eager or inordinate desire for some object that confers distinction, as preferment, honor, superiority, political power, or fame; desire to distinguish one's self from other people.
My son, John, wants to be a firefighter very much. He has a lot of ambition.
Vision
A person or thing of extraordinary beauty.
Ambition
(countable) An object of an ardent desire.
My ambition is to own a helicopter.
Vision
To see in a vision.
Ambition
A desire, as in (sense 1), for another person to achieve these things.
Vision
To picture in the mind; envision.
Ambition
(uncountable) A personal quality similar to motivation, not necessarily tied to a single goal.
Vision
(uncountable) The sense or ability of sight.
Ambition
(obsolete) The act of going about to solicit or obtain an office, or any other object of desire; canvassing.
Vision
(countable) Something seen; an object perceived visually.
Ambition
To seek after ambitiously or eagerly; to covet.
Vision
(countable) Something imaginary one thinks one sees.
He tried drinking from the pool of water, but realized it was only a vision.
Ambition
The act of going about to solicit or obtain an office, or any other object of desire; canvassing.
[I] used no ambition to commend my deeds.
Vision
Something unreal or imaginary; a creation of fancy.
Ambition
An eager, and sometimes an inordinate, desire for preferment, honor, superiority, power, or the attainment of something.
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling a way ambition:By that sin fell the angels.
The pitiful ambition of possessing five or six thousand more acres.
Vision
(countable) An ideal or a goal toward which one aspires.
He worked tirelessly toward his vision of world peace.
Ambition
To seek after ambitiously or eagerly; to covet.
Pausanias, ambitioning the sovereignty of Greece, bargains with Xerxes for his daughter in marriage.
Vision
(countable) A religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance.
He had a vision of the Virgin Mary.
Ambition
A cherished desire;
His ambition is to own his own business
Vision
(countable) A person or thing of extraordinary beauty.
Ambition
A strong drive for success
Vision
(uncountable) Pre-recorded film or tape; footage.
Ambition
Have as one's ambition
Vision
(transitive) To imagine something as if it were to be true.
Vision
(transitive) To present as in a vision.
Vision
(transitive) To provide with a vision. en
Vision
The act of seeing external objects; actual sight.
Faith here is turned into vision there.
Vision
The faculty of seeing; sight; one of the five senses, by which colors and the physical qualities of external objects are appreciated as a result of the stimulating action of light on the sensitive retina, an expansion of the optic nerve.
Vision
That which is seen; an object of sight.
Vision
Especially, that which is seen otherwise than by the ordinary sight, or the rational eye; a supernatural, prophetic, or imaginary sight; an apparition; a phantom; a specter; as, the visions of Isaiah.
The baseless fabric of this vision.
No dreams, but visions strange.
Vision
Hence, something unreal or imaginary; a creation of fancy.
Vision
To see in a vision; to dream.
For them no visioned terrors daunt,Their nights no fancied specters haunt.
Vision
A vivid mental image;
He had a vision of his own death
Vision
The ability to see; the faculty of vision
Vision
The perceptual experience of seeing;
The runners emerged from the trees into his clear vision
He had a visual sensation of intense light
Vision
The formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses;
Popular imagination created a world of demons
Imagination reveals what the world could be
Vision
A religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance;
He had a vision of the Virgin Mary
Vision
The ability to think about or plan the future with foresight or imagination.
His vision for the company involves expanding to international markets.
Vision
An experience of seeing someone or something in a dream or trance, or as a supernatural apparition.
She had a vision of a world where everyone lived in harmony.
FAQs
Is vision always related to future plans?
Predominantly yes, vision typically pertains to conceptualizing future plans or goals.
Does having a vision ensure success?
Not necessarily; having a vision is important, but realization also requires ambition, effort, and execution.
Can ambition exist without a specific vision?
Yes, one can have ambition, a strong desire to achieve, without a clear vision.
Can excessive ambition be harmful?
Yes, unchecked ambition can lead to unethical behavior and can have detrimental effects on well-being.
Can vision change over time?
Absolutely, vision can evolve as individuals gain more insight and experience.
Is ambition solely related to career achievements?
No, ambition can relate to any area of life including personal development, hobbies, or relationships.
Can everyone have a vision?
Yes, everyone has the capability to formulate a vision, though the clarity and scope may vary.
Is ambition a personality trait?
It can be considered a trait as some individuals inherently possess higher levels of ambition.
Is a vision always realistic?
Not always; visions can be aspirational and might not conform to current realities.
Is ambition always self-centered?
No, ambition can be driven by altruistic motives such as the desire to help others or make a positive impact.
Does a clear vision guarantee realization?
No, a clear vision needs to be coupled with determination, ambition, and action for realization.
Can ambition be developed?
Yes, ambition can be cultivated through developing motivation, setting goals, and fostering a growth mindset.
Do vision and ambition always go hand in hand?
While they often complement each other, it is possible to encounter one without the other.
Is vision important for leadership?
Absolutely, effective leaders often have a clear vision to guide and inspire their teams.
Can ambition lead to disappointment?
Yes, unfulfilled ambition can lead to disappointment, but it can also be a source of motivation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
