ambition to succeed in life; desire for career advancement
Refers to a strong personal drive to rise in status, rank, or worldly success. Often used in discussions of motivation or personality.
He has a strong ambition to succeed and is always aiming for promotion.
Driven by her desire to get ahead, she works even on her days off.
Compound of 出世 (success in life) and 欲 (desire). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.