pushing

American  

[poosh-ing] / ˈpʊʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. that pushes.

2. enterprising; energetic.

   Synonyms:

   ambitious

3. tactlessly or officiously aggressive; forward; intrusive.

   Synonyms:

   offensive

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pushing British  

/ ˈpʊʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. enterprising, resourceful, or aggressively ambitious

2. impertinently self-assertive

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adverb

1. almost or nearly (a certain age, speed, etc)

   pushing fifty

Other Word Forms

• pushingly adverb
• pushingness noun

Etymology

Origin of pushing

First recorded in 1520–30; push + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Economists have warned that a sustained rise in oil prices could push up transport and food costs, pushing households and businesses to cut back spending in other areas and leading to wider slowdown.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“It’s Easter, the Vatican is involved in pushing for humanitarian gestures on the part of Cuba as well as Trump. It looks like a humanitarian quid pro quo,” Kornbluh said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

For much of the past three years, stock-market bulls have been talking about a more broad-based rally as something that could help to keep pushing major indexes like the S&P 500 higher.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Kanellis suggested pushing out the trial until defense attorneys had a chance to review the new material.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“When stuff like that happens, you really need your friends. I keep pushing her because she matters so much to me.”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows