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

More than 100,000 saltwater and less aggressive freshwater crocodiles are estimated to be living across northern Australia.

Read more on Barron's

Then, involution started being used to describe a similar dynamic in industries where a mismatch of supply and demand has spawned aggressive price wars.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But a tactical switch from United boss Jim Goodwin, coupled with a more aggressive approach from the visitors, seemed to spook a vulnerable home side.

Read more on BBC

This uncertainty is compounded by a history of high fees and aggressive sales tactics, which has eroded trust in the industry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It has also pressured universities to comply with his agenda or lose funding, fired government officials he deems insufficiently loyal and embarked on an aggressive sweep of prosecutions of political opponents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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