aggressive

American  

[uh-gres-iv] / əˈgrɛs ɪv /

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.

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aggressive British  

/ əˈɡrɛsɪv /

adjective

1. quarrelsome or belligerent

   an aggressive remark

2. assertive; vigorous

   an aggressive business executive

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of aggressive

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

Explanation

Someone or something aggressive shows a lot of energy and has a strong impact. After the aggressive salesman stopped them again on their way through the mall, the couple got aggressive and replied in a loud, made-up foreign language until he went away. Being aggressive often means being physical or showing force, but it is equally powerful as an adjective reflecting a forceful determination to get something done. An aggressive football player may tackle everyone in sight to get a win, while a driven student might tackle a project or problem head-on with aggressive determination to improve their grade. Aggressive comes from the Latin aggress-, "attack," and being aggressive shows an intention to attack bodily, mentally, or verbally whatever gets in the way.

Example Sentences

Both have been competing for California’s pivotal Latino vote, and the former Los Angeles mayor’s attacks have become increasingly aggressive as Becerra has ascended in the governor’s race.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

This is for relatively cautious investors, and I think, given your timeline, you can afford to be far more aggressive than that.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Despite aggressive promotions to get guests in the door, he said total spending per visitor is rising.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Many investors would like to see Berkshire be more aggressive with its share repurchases under new CEO Greg Abel, but the company bought back just $235 million of stock over the quarter.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Hanson’s aggressive actions made him an overnight hero, hailed by newspapers across the country as “the man of the hour.”

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

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