Push Back
To challenge a request assumption priority or proposed approach with reasons and alternatives.
Plain English
Explain why you disagree or why the request needs to change.
In context
Constructive pushback makes constraints evidence and tradeoffs visible while still engaging with the underlying goal.
Example
“I want to push back on the deadline because security review has not started.”
When you'll hear this
- planning
- design review
- scope negotiation
Common misunderstanding
Pushback is not automatic resistance or a personal rejection of the person making the request.
Also known as
pushbackchallenge the request
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-27
