aggressive

[uh-gres-iv]

adjective

1. characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, invasions, or the like; militantly forward or menacing.

   aggressive acts against a neighboring country.

   Synonyms: militant, pugnacious
   Antonyms: friendly

2. making an all-out effort to win or succeed; competitive.

   an aggressive basketball player.

   Synonyms: assertive, enterprising, forceful
   Antonyms: hesitant, timid, shy, retiring

3. vigorously energetic, especially in the use of initiative and forcefulness.

   an aggressive salesperson.

4. boldly assertive and forward; pushy.

   an aggressive driver.

5. emphasizing maximum growth and capital gains over quality, security, and income.

   an aggressive mutual fund.

6. Medicine/Medical.

   1. (of a disease or tumor) growing or spreading rapidly; highly invasive; difficult or impossible to treat successfully.

      aggressive brain lesions.

   2. pertaining to a risky surgery or treatment, or to a medication that has grave side effects.

      aggressive chemotherapy.

7. (of a plant) spreading more rapidly than is desirable; tending to spread where not wanted.

   The joe-pye weed may be too aggressive to contain in the small area you’ve designated.

aggressive

/ əˈɡrɛsɪv /

adjective

1. quarrelsome or belligerent

   an aggressive remark

2. assertive; vigorous

   an aggressive business executive

Other Word Forms

• aggressively adverb
• aggressiveness noun
• aggressivity noun
• antiaggressive adjective
• hyperaggressive adjective
• overaggressive adjective
• overaggressiveness noun
• superaggressive adjective
• unaggressive adjective
• unaggressiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggressive¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Late Latin aggressīvus, derivative of Latin aggressus, past participle of aggredī “to go to, approach, attack”

Example Sentences

The Australian said he would be "aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation in order to make the series.

From BBC

"This is an aggressive approach trying to inflame the situation that has otherwise been peaceful," Wilson said on Sunday after another night of tear gas and violent arrests.

From BBC

The court heard how Farage's post had highlighted a Kalashnikov gun tattoo on Mr Khan's face and described him as aggressive.

From BBC

Especially in the seventh, when the Dodgers batted around, producing the kind of inning they rarely managed in the regular season, one that featured aggressive at-bats, smart baserunning and three two-out RBIs.

From Los Angeles Times

The Portland Police Bureau said it arrested two people on 4 October who engaged "in aggressive behaviour toward each other in the street" and refused to follow orders.

From BBC

Related Words

• bold 
• cocky 
• dynamic 
• energetic 
• forceful 
• smart 
• tough 
• vigorous 
• zealous