English Reference
Adjective

forceful

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfɔɹsfəɫ/ UK /fˈɔːsfəl/ force·ful

adj.strong and powerful in a way that makes people listen or take action. You use it to describe someone who has a lot of energy and influence.

adj.characterised by great physical strength or mental power; possessing the capacity to persuade or compel through intensity. Often used to describe personalities, arguments, or physical movements.


SIMPLE

She gave a forceful speech that convinced everyone.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager made a forceful argument for increasing the department's budget during the annual meeting.

COMPLEX

Despite the diplomat's calm exterior, his forceful personality dominated the negotiations and ensured that his country's primary interests were protected in the final treaty.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall
He is a very forced personHe is a very forceful person

Learners often confuse 'forced' (meaning unnatural or coerced) with 'forceful' (meaning powerful and persuasive).


From force + -ful.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated