Title: American Dream Definition
Headings: American Dream
American Dream
What Is the American Dream?
Key Takeaways
American Dream
Understanding the American Dream
Advantages and Disadvantages of the American Dream
Advantages
Disadvantages
How to Measure the American Dream
Special Considerations
American Dream FAQs
What Is the Original American Dream?
Is the American Dream Still Achievable?
What Are Examples of the American Dream?
What Is the American Dream in Dr. Martin Luther King's Speech?
The Bottom Line
Article Sources

Content: American Dream Definition
Economy Economics
American Dream
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Adam Barone is an award-winning journalist and the proprietor of ContentOven.com. He has 5+ years of experience as a content strategist/editor. Learn about our editorial policies
Adam Barone
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Brian Barnier is the Head of Analytics at ValueBridge Advisors, Co-founder and Editor of Feddashboard.com, and is a guest professor at the Colin Powell School at City University of NY. Article Reviewed on March 27, 2020
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Brian Barnier
Updated Mar 7, 2021
What Is the American Dream? The American dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society in which upward mobility is possible for everyone. The American dream is believed to be achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, rather than by chance. Key Takeaways
The term "American dream" was coined in a best-selling book in 1931 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." The American dream was aided by a number of factors that gave the United States a competitive advantage over other countries. Homeownership and education are often seen as paths to achieving the American dream.