aggressive
adjective
UK/əˈɡres.ɪv/US/əˈɡres.ɪv/
ready or likely to attack or confront; displaying forceful or confrontational behavior; can also describe a bold and energetic approach to tasks or goals
Example Sentences
The neighbor's dog became aggressive whenever someone walked near its territory.
He used an aggressive tone during the negotiation, hoping it would push the deal in his favor.
Aggressive driving, such as speeding and tailgating, can increase the risk of accidents.
The football coach encouraged an aggressive style of defense to overpower the opponent's offense.
Some animals become aggressive if they sense danger or the need to protect their offspring.
She pursued her goals with an aggressive ambition, tackling every challenge head-on and refusing to accept defeat.
When employees feel cornered, they may respond with aggressive behavior to assert themselves or protect their positions.
The company launched an aggressive marketing campaign, placing ads online, on billboards, and across social media to capture as much attention as possible.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Acting with hostility, boldness, or intense assertiveness.Use “aggressive” to describe actions or attitudes that are forceful, combative, or unusually assertive. In interpersonal conflicts, it points to confrontational behavior—angry outbursts or personal attacks. In sports and competitions, an “aggressive strategy” might show fierce determination and willingness to take risks for winning. In business contexts, it can describe a company’s strong push into new markets or cutting-edge tactics that prioritize rapid growth. When it comes to marketing or sales, an aggressive campaign might be relentless in its messaging. In psychological or social settings, consider whether aggression is harmful, such as bullying or dominance, or if it’s simply a firm stance—like aggressively pursuing one’s goals in a healthy, motivated way. By using “aggressive,” you highlight a sense of power, drive, or hostility, so it’s important to provide context, letting others know if you mean intimidating behavior or simply robust ambition. It can also refer to non-personal entities, like an aggressive disease, describing how swiftly it spreads or worsens. Always balance tone and clarity: calling someone “aggressive” often implies negativity unless you frame it within a context that celebrates determination or passion rather than hostility. In writing or conversation, “aggressive” can capture the intensity of someone’s drive, a group’s tactics, or the urgency of a situation. Just ensure you explain whether this characteristic fosters progress or fuels conflict.
Alternatives
Several synonyms for “aggressive” carry varying degrees of intensity. “Hostile” leans strongly toward combative or antagonistic behavior. “Confrontational” highlights open readiness to argue or fight, focusing on direct face-offs. “Forceful” suggests pushing ideas or actions forward with strong energy, though not necessarily in a hostile way. “Assertive” points to confident communication and self-assurance—often seen more positively than “aggressive.” If you’d like to show intensity without negative undertones, “bold” or “driven” might fit, emphasizing courage or ambition. In business or team settings, “ambitious” similarly centers on strong motivation and determination without implying hostility. “Offensive” can mean taking the initiative in conflict or competition, but it also has a strong negative connotation in everyday talk. Carefully choosing among these terms helps shape how others interpret the behaviors or attitudes you describe. Whether you focus on a negative, combative sense or just highlight dynamic, energetic drive, selecting the right word refines how forceful or assertive someone or something appears.
Writing
When writing about “aggressive” behavior or tactics, offer context to help readers grasp the nature and motivation behind it. If it’s about a character’s aggression in a story, show how they speak or act—snappy retorts, clenched fists, or dominance over others. Detailing the emotional or situational triggers can add depth: is this aggression a defensive reaction, a deliberate intimidation tactic, or a character’s natural inclination? In a report on social dynamics, highlight specific behaviors or language patterns that illustrate aggressiveness, referencing psychological or sociological insights if relevant. When the term applies to strategies or business approaches, explain your reasoning: “The marketing department adopted an aggressive campaign, pouring funds into nonstop digital ads and promotions.” Link the aggressive approach to measured outcomes—did it yield a surge in sales or spark backlash from consumers? In more formal writing, you may distinguish between constructive aggression—unwavering, confident pursuit of objectives—and destructive aggression—where hostility undermines teamwork or harms relationships. Clarifying your stance helps readers see whether the aggression you describe propels success or exacerbates conflict. Whether penning a news article, an academic paper, or a novel, combining “aggressive” with clear examples, emotional cues, or data creates a vivid and well-rounded portrayal of how this intensity shapes interactions or results.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, calling someone or something “aggressive” often suggests they’re too pushy, in-your-face, or downright hostile. You might label an overly persistent salesperson as aggressive if they won’t take no for an answer, or describe a friend’s intense debating style as aggressive when they come off confrontational. It can also pop up in lighthearted banter—like teasing someone for going “aggressive” on a video game opponent or tackling a household chore with unbridled energy. Still, be mindful of tone: calling a person aggressive can feel like an accusation, implying negativity or intimidation. If you just want to say they’re enthusiastic or determined, words like “driven,” “proactive,” or “ambitious” might convey that meaning better. In casual settings, “aggressive” might also describe something non-human, such as a plant’s roots spreading too quickly or a pet’s overzealous greeting, prompting a laugh rather than genuine concern. Overall, it’s a flexible term in day-to-day chat, but choose your words carefully to avoid making someone sound unreasonably hostile unless that’s precisely what you intend.
Etymology
“Aggressive” originates from Latin roots related to “aggressio,” meaning “an attack, assault,” itself derived from “ad-” (to) and “gradi” (to step or move). Early usage emphasized the act of going toward or against someone, reinforcing a sense of conflict or forceful engagement. Over centuries, especially as it moved through Middle French and into English, “aggressive” broadened beyond pure physical aggression or hostility. It came to signify strong, forceful pursuit or argument in various contexts—legal, military, interpersonal, and more. Today, we apply the word to everything from personal behavior (“He’s aggressive in negotiations”) to corporate strategies (“an aggressive expansion plan”) and even medical diagnoses (“an aggressive form of cancer”). Despite its expanded range, the original notion of ‘moving forcefully forward or toward something’ remains central, shining through in modern connotations of pushy, intense, or confrontational activity. That historical link to bold, proactive movement helps explain why “aggressive” can be perceived negatively—implying hostility—or positively—suggesting vigor and drive—depending on the context.
