Aggressive means acting with forceful energy or determination, often in a way that's pushy or hostile. In sports, an aggressive player might charge hard for the ball, make bold moves, and take risks to win. In nature, an aggressive animal might attack when it feels threatened or wants to protect its territory.

The word can describe someone who pursues their goals with intense drive and sometimes crosses into being too pushy or mean. An aggressive salesperson might pressure customers to buy things they don't want. An aggressive student might bulldoze through group work without listening to teammates' ideas.

But aggressive isn't always negative. Doctors talk about aggressive treatment that attacks a disease with powerful medicine. A chess player might use an aggressive strategy, attacking quickly instead of playing defensively. Scientists might aggressively pursue answers to important questions.

The context matters: aggressive behavior that hurts others or ignores their feelings creates problems, while aggressive pursuit of worthy goals, with respect for others, can lead to achievements.