Say it like this
- We got a lot of pushback on the timeline.
- There is pushback from stakeholders about the feature scope.
- The team is giving pushback on this approach.
Use it at work
Expecting it
- I expect some pushback from sales on the new pricing.
- We got pushback from the client on the timeline.
Giving it
- I want to push back on this deadline.
- Some pushback: do we really need this feature now?
Handling it
- Thanks for the pushback. You're right, let's change it.
- Good pushback. Let me think about it.
Don't say this
Pushback is a noun meaning resistance; use 'push back' (two words) as a phrasal verb meaning to postpone.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| pushback | Resistance or disagreement | Anyone | Proposals, deadlines |
| feedback | Opinions to help improve | Anyone | Any work |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. A team member disagrees with your approach. What would they say?
2. The security team is giving strong _______ on the authentication design.
3. Which sentence uses 'pushback' or 'push back' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite using 'pushback' or 'push back': 'The engineering team disagreed with the decision to ship without performance testing.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"We got a lot of pushback on the timeline."
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More about pushback
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We're facing pushback from QA on shipping this without more testing."
- in a code review
"I want to raise some pushback about the database schema—it might not scale."
- in a team meeting
"The product manager received significant pushback when she proposed cutting the mobile feature."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not use pushback as a verb in formal writing. Avoid saying 'we need to pushback the release' when you mean 'delay' — use 'push back' as two words or choose 'delay' or 'postpone' instead.
- ✕There was no pushback to the decision.✓There was no pushback against the decision.
Use 'pushback against' or 'pushback to' when referring to what the resistance targets.
- ✕She pushbacked on the proposal.✓She gave pushback on the proposal.
Pushback is primarily a noun; do not conjugate it as a verb in formal contexts.
Other forms(2)
- pushback noun
"We need to address the pushback from engineering before moving forward."
- push back phrasal verb
"We should push back the launch date by two weeks."
Often used with(5)
- face pushback · to encounter resistance or opposition
- give pushback · to express disagreement or concern
- significant pushback · strong or serious resistance
- pushback from · resistance coming from a specific person or group
- pushback against · resistance directed at a specific idea or plan
Similar words(4)
- resistance · More formal and general; pushback is more specific to workplace disagreement
- objection · More formal and strong; pushback can be gentler feedback
- concern · Softer and more collaborative; pushback suggests stronger opposition
- backlash · Stronger and often more negative; pushback is professional and constructive
Opposites(4)
- agreement
- approval
- buy-in
- support
Questions(5)
- What does pushback mean in software engineering?
- Pushback refers to resistance or disagreement expressed by team members, stakeholders, or managers in response to a proposal, timeline, or decision. It is feedback that signals concerns and is often valuable for improving decisions.
- How do you use pushback in a sentence at work?
- Use pushback as a noun: 'We are facing pushback from QA on the release date' or 'The team gave pushback on the architecture.' Use 'push back' as two words when describing delaying something: 'We need to push back the launch.'
- Is pushback formal or informal?
- Pushback is neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal workplace communication. It is common in emails, meetings, and presentations, though 'resistance' or 'concern' may be preferred in very formal executive communications.
- Is pushback always negative?
- No. While pushback indicates disagreement, it is often constructive feedback that helps teams avoid mistakes or unrealistic plans. Good teams welcome pushback as part of healthy discussion.
- What is the difference between pushback and push back?
- 'Pushback' (one word, noun) means resistance or objection. 'Push back' (two words, phrasal verb) means to postpone or delay: 'We will push back the meeting to next week.'
