overambitieuze

Overambitieuze is a Dutch adjective meaning excessively ambitious, often used to describe goals, plans, or people whose ambitions exceed what is practical given the available resources or constraints. The term combines the prefix over- (more/too much) with ambitieus (ambitious). It implies that the level of ambition is unwieldy or unrealistic and carries a negative or critical connotation, though in some contexts it can be used neutrally or humorously.

Usage and examples: overambitieuze plannen (over-ambitious plans), een overambitieuze ondernemer (an overambitious entrepreneur). The word is typically used attributively, i.e., before a noun: een overambitieuze missie, overambitieuze projecten. In predicative use, the form is usually overambitieus (for example, De plannen zijn overambitieus), though both forms occur. The term is closely related to ambitieuze (ambitious) and contrasted with realistisch (realistic) or bescheiden (modest).

Etymology and usage notes: The prefix over- signals excess; ambitie is ambition. In Dutch media and everyday speech, overambitieuze is common when evaluating business strategies, political agendas, or personal goals. It can also function as a self-deprecating label. See also: ambitie, ambitieus, realisme, bescheidenheid.