aggressive
uh-GREHS-ihv
Aggressive (adj) means Ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile. Example: “The dog became aggressive when strangers approached.”
adj
1
Ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile.
"The dog became aggressive when strangers approached."
"He was known for his aggressive negotiating style."
"The two drivers grew aggressive and began shouting at each other in the car park."
2
Bold, forceful, and determined in pursuing a goal.
"The company launched an aggressive marketing campaign."
"Doctors recommended aggressive treatment for the infection."
"The young striker takes an aggressive approach and chases every ball until the final whistle."
3
Spreading or growing rapidly, especially of a disease.
"It was diagnosed as an aggressive form of cancer."
"The weed is an aggressive invasive species."
"Ivy can be an aggressive climber that quickly covers an entire wall."
How to use aggressive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHostile and attacking, or (in a more neutral sense) forceful and bold.
Common pairings
aggressive behavior
aggressive campaign
aggressively priced
aggressive tumor
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like aggressive.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- aggressives
- Comparative
- more aggressive
- Superlative
- most aggressive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog became _____ when strangers approached.
Etymology
From "aggress" (from Latin aggredior, "to attack") + the adjective-forming suffix "-ive."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for aggressive
See all rhymes for aggressive →Frequently asked questions
What does “aggressive” mean?
The word “aggressive” means ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile. In plain terms, hostile and attacking, or (in a more neutral sense) forceful and bold.
How do you pronounce “aggressive”?
“Aggressive” is pronounced uh-GREHS-ihv (/əˈɡɹɛs.ɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “aggressive” in a sentence?
Here is “aggressive” used in a sentence: “The dog became aggressive when strangers approached.”
What is the opposite of “aggressive”?
The opposite of “aggressive” — its antonyms — is passive.
What part of speech is “aggressive”?
“Aggressive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “aggressive” come from?
The word “aggressive” comes from Latin. From "aggress" (from Latin aggredior, "to attack") + the adjective-forming suffix "-ive.".
Is “aggressive” a common word?
“Aggressive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “aggressive” have?
“Aggressive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: ready or likely to attack or confront; hostile.
What is the difference between aggressive and assertive?
Aggressive means ready or likely to attack or confront, and often carries a hostile, forceful edge that can override others. Assertive means confidently standing up for yourself or your views while still respecting others. The key difference is that assertiveness expresses needs firmly but fairly, whereas aggression pushes past or against other people.
Is the word aggressive always negative?
Not always. In one sense it means hostile and ready to attack, which is negative, but in another it means bold, forceful, and determined in pursuing a goal, which can be positive. Phrases like "an aggressive marketing campaign" or "an aggressive growth target" use this approving sense of energetic and driven.
What is the difference between aggressive and violent?
Aggressive describes a readiness or tendency to attack, confront, or push forward forcefully, and it can be shown through words, tone, or behaviour without physical harm. Violent specifically involves actual physical force intended to hurt or damage. Someone can be aggressive in an argument without being violent.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include aggressive:
