overambisiøse

Overambisiøse is an adjective used in Danish and Norwegian to describe people, plans, or goals that are excessively ambitious or unrealistic given available resources, time, or constraints. The term often carries a critical nuance, suggesting that the ambition may outpace feasibility, though it can also appear in neutral discussions of planning when feasibility and risk are being evaluated.

Etymology and usage notes: The word combines the prefix over- with ambisiøs (ambitious), itself derived from Latin roots related to ambition and striving. In Scandinavian usage, overambisiøse targets or proposals are commonly cited in business, politics, and project management to signal that scope, timelines, or budgets may be unattainable if not adjusted.

Usage and examples: In everyday language, one might refer to "overambisiøse mål" (overambitious goals) or "overambisiøse prosjekter" (overambitious projects). The term can appear in news coverage, corporate reports, or academic discussions when evaluating strategic plans, forecasting, or performance outcomes. While it often has a negative connotation, it can also describe aspirational aims that spark innovation if accompanied by sound feasibility assessments and phased milestones.

Implications and interpretation: Labeling something as overambitious invites scrutiny of planning, resource allocation, and risk management. It emphasizes the need for realism, stakeholder alignment, and contingency planning, while acknowledging that bold ambitions can drive progress if paired with structured execution and incremental progress.

See also: ambition, realistic goals, feasibility.