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

• aggressiveness noun
• aggressively adverb
• 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 libertarian Argentine president’s government has taken aggressive steps to allow the free market to take control.

Read more on Barron's

Traders are betting her focus on aggressive fiscal polices, supported by near-zero interest rates and structural overhauls, will add to the nation’s teetering debt pile.

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While there has been more construction in disaster-prone areas, Weiss added that there are also “increasingly aggressive tactics often used by many property insurers to deny legitimate claims.”

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Delicate moments get stomped on by the aggressive scoring.

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“I can sometimes be aggressive. I can sometimes be unpleasant,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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