adj
Common
pushing
PUU-shihng
Pushing (adj) means Aggressively assertive or forceful; pushy. Example: “He has a pushing manner that some colleagues find off-putting.”
adj
1
Aggressively assertive or forceful; pushy.
"He has a pushing manner that some colleagues find off-putting."
"Nobody liked the pushing salesman who would not take no for an answer."
"Her pushing attitude helped her get ahead but upset several of her teammates."
How to use pushing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes someone who forces their way forward or presses their views too aggressively.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- pushings
- Comparative
- more pushing
- Superlative
- most pushing
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He has a _____ manner that some colleagues find off-putting.
Related words
Rhymes for pushing
See all rhymes for pushing →Frequently asked questions
What does “pushing” mean?
The word “pushing” means aggressively assertive or forceful; pushy. In plain terms, describes someone who forces their way forward or presses their views too aggressively.
How do you pronounce “pushing”?
“Pushing” is pronounced PUU-shihng (/ˈpʊʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pushing” in a sentence?
Here is “pushing” used in a sentence: “He has a pushing manner that some colleagues find off-putting.”
What part of speech is “pushing”?
“Pushing” is an adjective.
Is “pushing” a common word?
“Pushing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between pushing and pushy?
In this sense there is barely any — pushing is simply a more old-fashioned way of saying pushy. Both describe someone who is aggressively assertive and won't take no for an answer. Today pushy is far more common in everyday speech, while pushing in this meaning sounds dated and is rarely heard.
Is 'pushing' a positive or negative word?
Used to describe a person, it is negative. Calling someone pushing, like pushy, suggests they are forceful, over-insistent, and inconsiderate of others' wishes. It differs from admirable qualities like ambitious or determined, which praise drive without the sense of pressuring people. The word implies assertiveness that has tipped into being off-putting.
What is an example of 'pushing' in this sense?
You might read of 'a pushing young salesman' who badgers customers into buying, or 'a pushing manner' that makes people uncomfortable. In each case the person is being forceful and self-promoting to a fault. In modern writing you would more likely see pushy used in exactly the same way.
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