American dream what does it mean

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Follow us. Choose a dictionary. Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. The Aristocrats. Examples Origin Usage. What's hot. Where does The American Dream come from? Carlos Campos arrived in the United States alone at age 13 and without papers, after nine months of walking and hitchhiking across three countries. Three decades later, Campos -- a fashion designer known for his elegant, perfectly tailored menswear -- is living the American dream, proudly showing off his latest collection at New York Fashion Week.

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What Is the American Dream? Key Takeaways The term "American dream" was coined in a best-selling book in titled Epic of America. James Truslow Adams described it as "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.

Homeownership and education are often seen as paths to achieving the American dream. Though the definition of the American Dream has changed to mean different things to different generations, it's undoubtedly part of the American ethos, and likely always will be. Pros The American dream promises freedom and equality. Cons The reality of the American dream often falls short of the idea itself.

As income inequality has increased, the American dream has seemed less attainable. Article Sources. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.