initiative

[ ih-nish-uh-tiv, ih-nish-ee-uh- ]

noun

1. an introductory act or step; leading action:

   to take the initiative in making friends.

2. readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise:

   to lack initiative.

   Synonyms: forcefulness, dynamism, leadership

3. one's personal, responsible decision:

   to act on one's own initiative.

4. Government.
   1. a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption. Compare referendum ( def 1 ).
   2. the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.

adjective

1. of or relating to formal admission or acceptance into a club or other group; signifying an initiation:

   The secret society's initiative events are best left undescribed.

2. serving to set in motion or initiate; introductory; beginning:

   Initiative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.

initiative

/ -ˈnɪʃətɪv; ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv /

noun

1. the first step or action of a matter; commencing move

   he took the initiative

   a peace initiative

2. the right or power to begin or initiate something

   he has the initiative

3. the ability or attitude required to begin or initiate something
4. government
   1. the right or power to introduce legislation, etc, in a legislative body
   2. the procedure by which citizens originate legislation, as in many American states and Switzerland
5. on one's own initiative
   without being prompted

adjective

1. of or concerning initiation or serving to initiate; initiatory

Derived Forms

• inˈitiatively, adverb

Other Words From

• in·iti·a·tive·ly adverb
• self-in·iti·a·tive noun
• super·in·iti·a·tive noun
• unin·iti·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiative¹

First recorded in 1785–95; initiate + -ive

Idioms and Phrases

see on one's own account (initiative) ; take the initiative .

Example Sentences

The Senboku Hottokenai Network Project is an example initiative that gradually transformed vacant building stocks into supportive housing for older people, a group home for people with disabilities, and a community restaurant.

From Science Daily

These definitions can also inform policy decisions regarding resource allocation, reimbursement, and quality-improvement initiatives, shaping the delivery of healthcare services.

From Science Daily

Nevada voters decisively passed a similar measure that, in contrast to California’s initiative, used the word “slavery.”

From Los Angeles Times

After two weeks of postelection uncertainty, Proposition 32, the initiative to increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour, was defeated by a narrow margin.

From Los Angeles Times

The Department for Infrastructure have been highlighting the impact on victims during Road Safety Week as part of their Share the Road to Zero initiative.

From BBC

Related Words

• action
• drive
• leadership
• push