B2 verb Neutral

aggressive

/əˈɡresɪv/

Behaving in a forceful or hostile manner, often showing a readiness to attack or argue. In a professional context, it describes a determined and bold approach to achieving success.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The dog became aggressive when the stranger approached its food bowl.

The dog started acting in a hostile and threatening way toward the stranger.

2

The government's aggressive foreign policy has led to increased tensions in the region.

The government's forceful and confrontational international strategy caused regional stress.

3

Whoa, don't get so aggressive! I was just joking about your haircut.

Don't react so angrily; I was only making a joke.

Word Family

Noun
aggression
Verb
aggress
Adverb
aggressively
Adjective
aggressive
Related
aggressor
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Memory Tip

Aggressive starts with 'Aggr-', which sounds like a growl (Grrr!). Think of a growling dog to remember its hostile meaning.

Quick Quiz

The CEO decided on an ____ expansion plan to double the company's size within a year.

Correct!

The correct answer is: aggressive

Examples

1

The dog became aggressive when the stranger approached its food bowl.

everyday

The dog started acting in a hostile and threatening way toward the stranger.

2

The government's aggressive foreign policy has led to increased tensions in the region.

formal

The government's forceful and confrontational international strategy caused regional stress.

3

Whoa, don't get so aggressive! I was just joking about your haircut.

informal

Don't react so angrily; I was only making a joke.

4

Studies suggest that aggressive behavior in children can be influenced by media consumption.

academic

Research indicates that hostile actions in kids might be affected by what they watch.

5

To dominate the tech industry, the company launched an aggressive marketing campaign.

business

The firm used a very bold and energetic advertising plan to lead the market.

Word Family

Noun
aggression
Verb
aggress
Adverb
aggressively
Adjective
aggressive
Related
aggressor

Common Collocations

aggressive behavior hostile or violent conduct
aggressive marketing bold and energetic advertising strategies
aggressive cancer a type of disease that spreads very quickly
highly aggressive extremely forceful or hostile
aggressive stance a confrontational position or attitude

Common Phrases

passive-aggressive

showing indirect resistance or non-verbal hostility

aggressive growth

rapid and bold expansion of a business or investment

aggressive pricing

setting prices very low to drive out competitors

Often Confused With

aggressive vs assertive

Assertive means being confident and direct without being rude; aggressive implies hostility or a lack of respect for others.

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Usage Notes

While often negative (meaning 'angry' or 'violent'), this word is used positively in business and sports to mean 'highly competitive' and 'determined to win'.

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Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'aggressive' to mean simply 'energetic.' Be careful, as calling someone aggressive can be seen as an insult in social situations.

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Memory Tip

Aggressive starts with 'Aggr-', which sounds like a growl (Grrr!). Think of a growling dog to remember its hostile meaning.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'aggressus', meaning 'stepped toward' or 'attacked'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a qualitative adjective. Can be followed by a preposition: aggressive towards someone/something. Comparative form: more aggressive; Superlative form: most aggressive.
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Cultural Context

In American business culture, being 'aggressive' is often praised as a sign of a 'go-getter' attitude, whereas in some East Asian cultures, it may be viewed as a lack of harmony.

Quick Quiz

The CEO decided on an ____ expansion plan to double the company's size within a year.

Correct!

The correct answer is: aggressive

Related Words

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B2

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boneyard

B2

A boneyard is a place where old, discarded, or obsolete items—typically large machinery like aircraft or vehicles—are stored or dismantled for parts. It is also an informal or regional term for a cemetery or burial ground.

bonfire

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bongo

B2

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bonito

B2

A bonito is a medium-sized, predatory marine fish belonging to the Scombridae family, which also includes tuna and mackerel. In culinary contexts, it is most famous for being dried, fermented, and smoked to create flakes used in Japanese stocks and seasonings.

bonkers

B2

An informal adjective used to describe someone or something that is crazy, insane, or highly eccentric. It can refer to a person's mental state, a chaotic situation, or an idea that seems completely absurd or wild.

bonny

B2

An adjective primarily used in British and Scottish English to describe someone, especially a woman or child, who is physically attractive, healthy, and cheerful. It conveys a sense of natural beauty combined with a robust or wholesome appearance.

bonsai

B2

Relating to the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in containers through careful pruning and wiring. When used as an adjective, it describes plants or objects that have been miniaturized or styled according to these aesthetic principles.

bony

B2

Describes someone or a part of the body that is very thin, allowing the underlying bone structure to be seen or felt. It also refers to anything made of or resembling bone, particularly in biological or anatomical contexts.

boo

B2

In informal contexts, 'boo' can be used as an adjective to describe something that is disappointing, poor in quality, or undesirable. It is more commonly recognized as a sound of disapproval or a slang term of endearment, but its use as a descriptor for 'bad' is found in specific colloquial dialects.

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