aggressively

[uh-gres-iv-lee]

adverb

1. in an aggressive, militant, or menacing manner.

   The orders were to root out the entrenched rebels, swiftly and aggressively.

2. in a highly competitive manner; with an aggressive effort to win.

   The series was aggressively played by both teams.

3. in a vigorously or forcefully enterprising manner; ambitiously.

   an aggressively marketed line of cosmetics.

4. in a pushy or boldly assertive manner.

   They continue to lobby aggressively for a safer workplace.

5. Medicine/Medical.

   1. (of a disease’s or tumor’s viability) in a rapid and vigorous, highly invasive manner.

      The cancer has aggressively branched out to his lower intestine.

   2. in a highly potent, therapeutic, but risky manner, intended to destroy malignancy.

      Can the treatment aggressively target the tumor without harming healthy tissue?

6. (of a plant’s growth habit) with an undesirable tendency to spread rapidly, especially where unwanted.

   Wild lotuses have aggressively flourished in both ponds, much to the dismay of local canoeists.

Other Word Forms

• nonaggressively adverb
• overaggressively adverb
• unaggressively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggressively¹

First recorded in 1790–95; aggressive ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Leavitt told reporters Monday that the administration is “aggressively” looking into who is financially backing these operations.

From Los Angeles Times

This is a chance for Democrats to show they can take back some control from an administration that has moved aggressively on its agenda.

From BBC

"In response to this strong progress, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in implementing proven tobacco-control policies," he added.

From BBC

Social media companies say they are acting but their critics argue they could intervene more aggressively.

From BBC

“We’re here ready to fight aggressively and in a sophisticated way for anyone who faces any federal prosecution at any time,” Ortega said.

From Los Angeles Times