# assertiveness

/əˈsɝtɪvnəs/ (US) · /ɐsˈɜːtɪvnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assertiveness
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

clear and confident expression of what you want or think, without being rude.

For teachers: confident, direct expression of opinions, needs, or boundaries while respecting the rights of others. Contrasts with both passivity, which avoids expression, and aggression, which disregards others.

## Examples

- Her assertiveness helps her ask for what she needs.
- His assertiveness shows when he calmly tells his manager he needs more time to finish the report.
- Her quiet assertiveness allowed her to defend the team's budget without alienating senior leaders who expected deference.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.