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

Last year, she found a lump in her neck and was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer.

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From 2008 through 2021, mortgage rates were abnormally low, a product of very low inflation and aggressive Federal Reserve policies, which boosted home prices.

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There is a lot of talk about England's method, their aggressive style.

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But after an aggressive cut in front of Verstappen to head off the Dutchman's attack on the inside, Norris misjudged his braking point and ran deep into the corner.

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The granddaughter of former US President John F Kennedy Jr has announced her diagnosis with an aggressive form of cancer, with the 35-year-old saying she has been given less than a year to live.

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Related Words

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