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 Words From

• non·ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
• o·ver·ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
• un·ag·gres·sive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggressively¹

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

Example Sentences

But he has also characterised Trump’s support for such border taxes as a negotiating tool, suggesting the president-elect isn’t necessarily committed to aggressively raising duties.

From BBC

Companies such as Fox Television Stations, Nexstar Media Group, Tegna and Gray Media are eager to buy more TV stations to better compete against deep-pocketed tech firms that are aggressively pursuing viewers and ad dollars.

From Los Angeles Times

Some leaders tried to make sure the Democrats aggressively included men.

From Salon

Her absence, coupled with Republican majorities, could allow conservative lawmakers to advance their priorities more aggressively, as well as reshaping the balance of power in future farm policy negotiations.

From Salon

“We will pass critical reforms making every executive branch employee fireable by the president,” he said last year, adding: “I will wield that power very aggressively.”

From Los Angeles Times