Propulsive/prəˈpʌlsɪv/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Technical Use Often used in engineering or physics to describe mechanical forces. The engine's propulsive efficiency was thoroughly analyzed. Pro Tip 2/3Motivational Metaphor Can be a metaphor for the driving power behind a person's actions. Her ambition served as a propulsive force in her career. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Physical It’s not exclusive to physical movement; it can describe conceptual progress. The innovative idea had a propulsive effect on the project's success.