Example : A lofty aspirant.
Two executive hopefuls joined the firm.
The audience was full of Madonna wannabes.

Synonyms : aspirant, aspirer, wannabe, wannabee

Example : A line of people hopeful of obtaining tickets.
Found a hopeful way of attacking the problem.

Example : Had a bright future in publishing.
The scandal threatened an abrupt end to a promising political career.
A hopeful new singer on Broadway.

Synonyms : bright, promising