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

An initial interview with the Home Office did not go well and protracted appeals ended up pushing up his costs to more than £10,000.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Regional mediators were still pushing to extend the cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran, but the two countries hadn’t announced a date or venue for a second round of talks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The Sparks are pushing to contend for a playoff spot this season after bringing back veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike and guards Ariel Atkins and Wheeler to build one of their deepest rosters in years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

What’s more, Saudi Arabia is pushing for an end to the blockade and for new negotiations to begin, The Wall Street Journal External link reported.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Duane wondered if in some way he was responsible for pushing Handsome on this adventure.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el