Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression: Describes a forceful, hostile, or attacking behavior or attitude.
   • Pursuing one's aims and interests forcefully, sometimes unduly so: Describes an energetic and assertive approach to achieving goals.
   • (Of a disease or tumor) Developing or spreading rapidly and invasively: Used in medical contexts to describe a severe, fast-progressing condition.

Examples of Usage

• Describing hostile behavior:
  • The dog became aggressive when the stranger approached its territory.
  • The debate turned aggressive, with both candidates shouting at each other.
• Describing assertive pursuit of goals:
  • She has an aggressive strategy for expanding her business into new markets.
  • The company launched an aggressive advertising campaign to outsell its competitors.
• Describing a medical condition:
  • The patient was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that required immediate treatment.

Advanced Usage

• "Aggressive driving": A style of driving characterized by hostile, reckless, or unsafe maneuvers intended to intimidate other drivers or gain an advantage.
  • The city has started a campaign to reduce accidents caused by aggressive driving.
• "Aggressive accounting": Accounting practices that push the limits of legality to present a more favorable financial picture.
  • The firm was investigated for using aggressive accounting methods to inflate its profits.

Variants and Related Words

• Aggression (n): Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes; the action of attacking without provocation.
  • The act was seen as an act of aggression against a sovereign nation.
• Aggressively (adv): In a manner characterized by aggression or forceful energy.
  • He aggressively pursued the lead in the race.
• Aggressor (n): A person or country that attacks first or initiates hostility.
  • The treaty identified the invading army as the aggressor.

Synonyms

• Assertive: Confidently forceful or self-assured (often positive, unlike 'aggressive' which can be negative).
• Belligerent: Hostile and aggressive, eager to fight.
• Combative: Ready or eager to fight or argue.
• Forceful: Strong and assertive; vigorous and powerful.

Antonyms

• Passive: Accepting or allowing what happens without active response or resistance.
• Submissive: Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meek.
• Peaceful: Free from disturbance; tranquil, not involving war or violence.

Related Phrases

• To take an aggressive stance/position: To adopt a very forceful or confrontational approach to an issue.
  • The union took an aggressive stance in the negotiations, demanding a 20% pay raise.
• Aggressive growth fund: A type of mutual fund that aims for high returns by investing in high-risk stocks.
  • Young investors are often advised to consider aggressive growth funds for their retirement portfolios.

Adjective

1. characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
   • aggressive acts against another country
   • a belligerent tone
2. tending to spread quickly
   • an aggressive tumor
3. having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends; positive in his convictions"
   • an aggressive businessman
   • an aggressive basketball player
   • he was aggressive and imperious
   • aggressive drivers