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

Alyssa and Gisele were born less than 13 months apart and grew up playing together, practicing together and pushing each other.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

Some developers are so wary about the hiring delay that they are pushing pause on submitting proposals to the EDC, a person familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has told Hungary's new prime minister that billions of euros in EU funding are to be unlocked subject to his government pushing through a raft of "long-overdue reforms".

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Real yields, and the factors pushing them higher, are the true culprits behind higher 10-year yields.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

As soon as she felt the river bottom on her arms, she straightened her elbows, pushing her head upward.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret