An aggressive person or animal has a quality of anger and determination that makes them ready to attack other people.
Some children are much more aggressive than others.
These fish are very aggressive.
Aggressive behaviour is a sign of emotional distress.
Synonyms: hostile, offensive, destructive, belligerent More Synonyms of aggressive
aggressivelyadverb
They'll react aggressively.
aggressivenessuncountable noun
Her aggressiveness made it difficult for him to explain his own feelings.
2. adjective
People who are aggressive in their work or other activities behave in a forceful way because they are very eager to succeed.
He is respected as a very aggressive and competitive executive.
Synonyms: forceful, powerful, convincing, effective More Synonyms of aggressive
aggressivelyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb]
...countries noted for aggressively pursuing energy efficiency.
aggressive in British English
(əˈɡrɛsɪv)
adjective
1.
quarrelsome or belligerent
an aggressive remark
2.
assertive; vigorous
an aggressive business executive
Derived forms
aggressively (agˈgressively)
adverb
aggressiveness (agˈgressiveness)
noun
aggressive in American English
(əˈgrɛsɪv)
adjective
1.
aggressing or inclined to aggress; starting fights or quarrels
2.
ready or willing to take issue or engage in direct action; militant
3.
full of enterprise and initiative; bold and active; pushing
4. Psychiatry
of or involving aggression
SYNONYMY NOTE: aggressive implies a bold and energetic pursuit of one's ends, connoting, in derogatory usage,a ruthless desire to dominate and, in a favorable sense, enterprise or initiative;, militant implies a vigorous, unrelenting espousal of a cause, movement, etc. and rarely suggeststhe furthering of one's own ends; , assertive emphasizes self-confidence and a persistent determination to express oneself or one'sopinions; , pushing is applied derogatorily to a forwardness of personality that manifests itself inofficiousness or rudeness
Derived forms
aggressively (agˈgressively)
adverb
aggressiveness (agˈgressiveness)
noun
aggressivity (ˌægrɛsˈɪvəti; əˌgrɛsˈɪvəti)
noun
Examples of 'aggressive' in a sentence
aggressive
They are thought to trigger inflammation in the brain, which leads to memory loss and aggressive behaviour.
The Sun (2017)
He has been evicted from two care homes after aggressive behaviour and requires one-to-one care at all times.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I didn't let her into the match with my aggressive game.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The Spanish fought equally aggressive campaigns in Morocco.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Lots of people like that aggressive, edgy side in a motorbike - this journalist included.
The Sun (2016)
A scheme in Cardiff led to a cut in A&E waiting times and aggressive behaviour towards staff.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Alongside the impact of your father's aggressive behaviour when you were growing up, this would only add to your overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She shrugged and fought on with a more aggressive campaign.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This can cause her to be aggressive with people she does not know.
The Sun (2014)
You need to be assertive but not aggressive.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
No player could say they were aggressive and competitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Tip workers have already been issued with lapel cameras to record aggressive behaviour.
The Sun (2014)
We were really aggressive in our game going forward.
The Sun (2014)
We are a bit aggressive in that way.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The pitch rewards aggressive batting and bowling.
The Sun (2010)
They are very vicious and aggressive people who do really horrible things.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Be assertive without being aggressive and be clear about what you want.
The Sun (2010)
This is exactly the aggressive behaviour we want to see.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
We have to be aggressive in our game and nail it in the last ten games.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The governing bodies have to act in a more aggressive way.
The Sun (2012)
How can he be so aggressive on the pitch and so quietly spoken and mellow off it?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The sheep are getting aggressive and chasing people.
The Sun (2016)
They want maximum confidence and efficiency but aggressive behaviour is not acceptable.
Brian Hoey AT HOME WITH THE QUEEN: The Inside Story of the Royal Household (2002)
They have less chance to attack me and my aggressive game works better.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
For some reason people find that in some way aggressive.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Some people have more aggressive personalities than others.
Knowles, Jane Know Your Own Mind (1991)
The answer is tastier school meals and an aggressive health campaign emphasising the lifelong dangers of being overweight.
The Sun (2014)
One camp is pushing for a more aggressive pitch to the far right while another suggests appealing to the centre.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They can make users feel more pumped up, aggressive and competitive.
The Sun (2014)
If you take a more assertive or aggressive stance, others may hold back from you.
The Sun (2015)
He was very aggressive, very competitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They were aggressive, competitive matches.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
aggressive
British English: aggressive /əˈɡrɛsɪv/ ADJECTIVE
An aggressive person behaves angrily or violently towards other people.
Some children are much more aggressive than others.