1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To resist, oppose, or challenge a plan, policy, or demand.
"Staff pushed back against the new working hours policy, arguing it was unfair."
inseparable
push back
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To resist or oppose pressure, a proposal, or a policy; also to physically move something backward or to delay something.
In plain English
To say no to something or resist a plan, or to move something backward.
What does "push back" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To move something or someone physically backward by pushing.
"She pushed back her chair and stood up."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To delay or postpone a deadline, meeting, or scheduled event.
"The launch date has been pushed back by two weeks due to technical issues."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent in the physical sense — to push something in a backward direction.
Actually means
To say no to something or resist a plan, or to move something backward.
Usage tip
The figurative sense of opposing or resisting is very common in business, politics, and journalism — 'there was significant pushback against the proposal'. 'Pushback' is the common noun form. The physical and scheduling senses are also widely used.
Words that pair with "push back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
proposal policy deadline legislation schedule critics opponents
How to conjugate "push back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
push back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes back
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed back
yesterday
Past participle
pushed back
have + pp
-ing form
pushing back
continuous
Hear "push back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "push back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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