The word ambitious can be used to describe both positive and the negative traits of someone's personality, depending on context.

Is ambition a bad word?

Ambition is not a dirty word: why women should change their view of ambition. The word ambition, by definition, is aligned with determination and drive. But somewhere along the line the desire to achieve success gained a negative connotation, especially for women.

Is being called ambitious a good thing?

Well-aimed and supported by values, ambition reflects a healthy self-esteem and higher power of abstraction and visualization of the future. Ambitious people have a gleam in their eyes as they approach their goals. They vibrate at a higher level and have a contagious enthusiasm about accomplishing things.