adj
Common
attacking
uh-TA-kihng
Attacking (adj) means carrying out or relating to an attack; aggressive and offense-focused. Example: “The coach praised the attacking play of the young forwards.”
adj
1
Carrying out or relating to an attack; aggressive and offense-focused.
"The coach praised the attacking play of the young forwards."
"Wide, attacking football makes the crowd roar every time."
"The team switched to an attacking style in the second half."
How to use attacking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something aggressive or offense-oriented, especially in sport or conflict.
Common pairings
attacking style
attacking players
attacking formation
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Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for attacking
hacking
backing
lacking
jacking
sacking
racking
cracking
blacking
clacking
tracking
quacking
smacking
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.
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