aggressive

American  

[uh-gres-iv] / əˈgrɛs ɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, invasions, or the like; militantly forward or menacing.

   aggressive acts against a neighboring country.

   Synonyms:

   militant, pugnacious

   Antonyms:

   friendly

2. making an all-out effort to win or succeed; competitive.

   an aggressive basketball player.

   Synonyms:

   assertive, enterprising, forceful

   Antonyms:

   hesitant, timid, shy, retiring

3. vigorously energetic, especially in the use of initiative and forcefulness.

   an aggressive salesperson.

4. boldly assertive and forward; pushy.

   an aggressive driver.

5. emphasizing maximum growth and capital gains over quality, security, and income.

   an aggressive mutual fund.

6. Medicine/Medical.

   1. (of a disease or tumor) growing or spreading rapidly; highly invasive; difficult or impossible to treat successfully.

      aggressive brain lesions.

   2. pertaining to a risky surgery or treatment, or to a medication that has grave side effects.

      aggressive chemotherapy.

7. (of a plant) spreading more rapidly than is desirable; tending to spread where not wanted.

   The joe-pye weed may be too aggressive to contain in the small area you’ve designated.

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aggressive British  

/ əˈɡrɛsɪv /

adjective

1. quarrelsome or belligerent

   an aggressive remark

2. assertive; vigorous

   an aggressive business executive

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Other Word Forms

• aggressively adverb
• aggressiveness noun
• aggressivity noun
• antiaggressive adjective
• hyperaggressive adjective
• overaggressive adjective
• overaggressiveness noun
• superaggressive adjective
• unaggressive adjective
• unaggressiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of aggressive

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Late Latin aggressīvus, derivative of Latin aggressus, past participle of aggredī “to go to, approach, attack”

Explanation

Someone or something aggressive shows a lot of energy and has a strong impact. After the aggressive salesman stopped them again on their way through the mall, the couple got aggressive and replied in a loud, made-up foreign language until he went away. Being aggressive often means being physical or showing force, but it is equally powerful as an adjective reflecting a forceful determination to get something done. An aggressive football player may tackle everyone in sight to get a win, while a driven student might tackle a project or problem head-on with aggressive determination to improve their grade. Aggressive comes from the Latin aggress-, "attack," and being aggressive shows an intention to attack bodily, mentally, or verbally whatever gets in the way.

Example Sentences

Private-equity funds have also been accused of unethical behavior in their aggressive pursuit of profits at all costs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Law firms have become increasingly aggressive about poaching talent across practice areas, but corporate lawyers have been particularly sought after with the promise of bringing billions in business to the firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The Journal said Wednesday’s announcement follows an aggressive lobbying push External link by advocates including a cannabis CEO, a Florida sheriff, and a member of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The singer-songwriter wrote Fuerza Regida’s gritty hit “Marlboro Rojo” in 45 minutes, ensuring that the song’s aggressive, battle-ready lyrics also captured a romantic spirit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The news media latched onto McCarthy's speech and catapulted him to national prominence as the most aggressive anticommunist leader in the United States.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• bold
• cocky
• dynamic
• energetic
• forceful
• smart
• tough
• vigorous
• zealous