definitions

aggressive

[ uh-gres-iv ]
/ əˈgrɛs ɪv /
||

adjective

characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, invasions, or the like; militantly forward or menacing: aggressive acts against a neighboring country.
making an all-out effort to win or succeed; competitive: an aggressive basketball player.
vigorously energetic, especially in the use of initiative and forcefulness: an aggressive salesperson.
boldly assertive and forward; pushy: an aggressive driver.
emphasizing maximum growth and capital gains over quality, security, and income: an aggressive mutual fund.
Medicine/Medical.
  1. (of a disease or tumor) spreading rapidly or highly invasive; difficult or impossible to treat successfully.
  2. pertaining to a risky surgery or treatment, or to a medication that has grave side effects: aggressive chemotherapy.

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Nearby words

aggregative, aggregator, aggregatory, aggress, aggression, aggressive, aggressive infantile fibromatosis, aggressive mimicry, aggressively, aggressivity, aggressor

Origin of aggressive

First recorded in 1815–25; aggress(ion) + -ive

SYNONYMS FOR aggressive

1 pugnacious, militant.
2 forceful, enterprising, assertive.

ANTONYMS FOR aggressive

1 friendly.
2 retiring, shy, timid, hesitant.

Related forms

Can be confused

aggressive passive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for aggressively

British Dictionary definitions for aggressively

aggressive

/ (əˈɡrɛsɪv) /

adjective

quarrelsome or belligerentan aggressive remark
assertive; vigorousan aggressive business executive

Derived Forms

aggressively, adverbaggressiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for aggressively

aggressive

[ ə-grĕs′ĭv ]

adj.

Characterized by aggression.
Inclined to behave in a hostile fashion.
Tending to spread quickly, as a tumor; fast-growing.
Characterized by or inclined toward vigorous or intensive medical treatment.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.