English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj Common

attacking

uh-TA-kihng

Attacking (adj) means carrying out or relating to an attack; aggressive and offense-focused. Example: “The team switched to an attacking style in the second half.”

adj
1
Carrying out or relating to an attack; aggressive and offense-focused.
"The team switched to an attacking style in the second half."

How to Use Attacking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something aggressive or offense-oriented, especially in sport or conflict.

Common pairings
attacking style attacking players attacking formation
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “attacking” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The team switched to an _____ style in the second half.

Related Words

Rhymes for attacking

See all rhymes for attacking →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “attacking” mean?

The word “attacking” means carrying out or relating to an attack; aggressive and offense-focused. In plain terms, describes something aggressive or offense-oriented, especially in sport or conflict.

How do you pronounce “attacking”?

“Attacking” is pronounced uh-TA-kihng (/əˈtækɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “attacking” in a sentence?

Here is “attacking” used in a sentence: “The team switched to an attacking style in the second half.”

What part of speech is “attacking”?

“Attacking” is an adjective.

Is “attacking” a common word?

“Attacking” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between 'attacking' and 'defensive'?

'Attacking' describes an aggressive, offence-focused approach aimed at pressing forward and putting pressure on an opponent. 'Defensive' is its opposite, focused on protecting and holding ground, so an attacking team seeks to score while a defensive one aims to prevent scoring.

What words commonly go with 'attacking'?

In sport you often hear 'attacking play', 'attacking midfielder', 'attacking football', and 'attacking formation'. More generally, 'attacking tone' or 'attacking style' describes an aggressive, confrontational manner.

Is 'attacking' always about physical violence?

No. While it can describe a physical assault, 'attacking' often refers to an aggressive, offence-focused approach in sport, debate, or business, such as an attacking strategy or attacking questions that challenge someone directly.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial