# How to Use Pushback at Work: English for Engineers (2026)

> Pushback is resistance or disagreement expressed by someone in response to a proposal, plan, or decision.

- **Term:** pushback
- **Part of speech:** noun
- **Pronunciation:** /ˈpʊʃbæk/
- **English level (CEFR):** B2
- **Register:** Neutral, Both
- **Region:** US and UK
- **Topic:** [Business jargon](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/topics/business-jargon.md)
- **Lesson:** https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/pushback
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-27

## Meaning

Pushback is resistance or disagreement expressed by someone in response to a proposal, plan, or decision. In tech, it refers to when team members raise concerns or oppose a deadline, feature, or direction.

In tech workplaces, pushback occurs when engineers, product managers, or stakeholders express concerns about a proposed change. For example, developers might give pushback on an unrealistic deadline, arguing they need more time. Pushback is not necessarily negative—it is often valuable feedback that helps teams make better decisions. However, the term can also imply stubbornness or unwillingness to cooperate. The phrase 'to face pushback' means to encounter resistance, while 'to give pushback' means to express disagreement or concern. Understanding this term is essential for workplace communication because it appears frequently in meetings, emails, and performance reviews.

## When you hear it

We received pushback from the security team on the new API design.

## Examples

- **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."

## What native speakers say

- "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."

## Common mistakes

- ✗ "We need to pushback the release date." → ✓ "We need to push back the release date. (or: We need to delay the release.)" (Pushback is a noun meaning resistance; use 'push back' (two words) as a phrasal verb meaning to postpone.)
- ✗ "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.)

## Be careful

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.

## Word forms

| Part of speech | Word | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| noun | pushback | We need to address the pushback from engineering before moving forward. |
| phrasal verb | push back | We should push back the launch date by two weeks. |


## Collocations

- **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

## Synonyms

- **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

- agreement
- approval
- buy-in
- support

## Practice

This lesson has 4 practice exercises with instant feedback on the page: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/pushback

## FAQ

### 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.'


## Related

- [stakeholder](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/stakeholder.md)
- [buy-in](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/buy-in.md)
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