aggressive

[uh-gres-iv]

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.

aggressive

/ əˈɡrɛsɪv /

adjective

1. quarrelsome or belligerent

   an aggressive remark

2. assertive; vigorous

   an aggressive business executive

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggressive¹

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

Example Sentences

In May, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

From BBC

“It’s a search for an image that’s less violent than what people normally show today, something less aggressive, less avant-garde. What I’m taking from the past is a sense of reassurance.”

From Los Angeles Times

Their aggressive tactics and commitment to reshaping the party have led to comparisons to the conservative tea party movement.

From Los Angeles Times

But Matt Britzman, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Lloyds had been "forced to take a more aggressive approach to weed out the lower performers".

From BBC

"They are envious of China's fast development. To be honest, they are aggressive at heart. We are completely committed to the common prosperity of mankind. We are different."

From BBC

Related Words

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