pushback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Primarily formal and journalistic, but increasingly common in business and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “pushback” mean?
A negative or resistant reaction in response to a proposal, action, or idea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A negative or resistant reaction in response to a proposal, action, or idea.
Physical resistance, such as the reverse thrust of an aircraft or jet engine, or a defensive manoeuvre in sports. Metaphorically, it refers to criticism, opposition, or a refusal to accept something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The spelling is identical. 'Pushback' is slightly more established in US political and business journalism but is now standard in UK media.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often connotes organised, institutional, or public resistance, not just personal dislike.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but the gap has narrowed significantly in the 21st century.
Grammar
How to Use “pushback” in a Sentence
pushback from [person/group] (on/against [proposal/action])face/meet/encounter/get/receive pushbackpushback againstpushback onin response to the pushbackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pushback” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The board decided to push back against the takeover bid.
- We need to push back the meeting to next week.
American English
- The senator pushed back hard on the allegations.
- Let's push back the deadline by a few days.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new policy faced immediate pushback from middle management, who argued it would hurt morale.
Academic
The researcher's controversial thesis met with considerable pushback from peers in the field.
Everyday
I got some pushback from my friends when I suggested a much earlier start time for our hike.
Technical
The pilot applied reverse thrust, feeling the strong pushback as the aircraft decelerated on the runway.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pushback”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pushback”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pushback”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They pushbacked on the idea.'). The verb is the phrasal verb 'to push back'. 'Pushback' is a noun.
- Confusing it with 'feedback', which can be positive or negative.
- Using it for mild, personal hesitation instead of more substantial or collective resistance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning 'resistance', it is almost always written as one closed compound word: 'pushback'. The verb is the phrasal verb 'to push back' (two words).
No, by definition 'pushback' is negative or resistant. For a more neutral or positive reaction, use 'feedback', 'response', or 'input'.
They are close synonyms. 'Backlash' often implies a stronger, more violent, or more emotional public reaction (e.g., a social or political backlash). 'Pushback' can be more measured, institutional, or procedural (e.g., pushback from a committee).
It is occasionally used, especially when referring to multiple distinct instances of resistance (e.g., 'They faced pushbacks on several fronts'). However, it is far more common as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'They faced a lot of pushback').
A negative or resistant reaction in response to a proposal, action, or idea.
Pushback is usually primarily formal and journalistic, but increasingly common in business and everyday contexts. in register.
Pushback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊʃbæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊʃˌbæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to face/meet headwinds (similar metaphorical concept for resistance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine literally PUSHing a heavy object. When it pushes BACK, it resists your effort. 'Pushback' is the metaphorical resistance to an idea or plan.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL FORCES / ACTIONS ARE PHYSICAL FORCES (Opposition is a counter-force pushing back).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'pushback' used CORRECTLY?