proactive

[ proh-ak-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving to prepare for, intervene in, or control an expected occurrence or situation, especially a negative or challenging one; anticipatory:

   The new guidelines will help industry employers develop proactive measures to keep their workplaces safe.

proactive

/ prəʊˈæktɪv /

adjective

1. tending to initiate change rather than reacting to events
2. psychol of or denoting a mental process that affects a subsequent process

Other Words From

• pro·ac·tive noun
• pro·ac·tiv·i·ty [proh-ak-, tiv, -i-tee], pro·ac·tive·ness noun
• pro·ac·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of proactive¹

First recorded in 1930–35; pro- ¹ + active

Word History and Origins

Origin of proactive¹

C20: from pro- ² + ( re ) active

Example Sentences

His is a proactive goalkeeper, quick off his line, good with the ball at his feet and a fine shot-stopper too.

From BBC

The council said a formal "recovery plan" was to be implemented, saying it had "proactive steps in place" to review internal processes, including a barrister investigating events in 2019 referenced in the trial.

From BBC

The AU Commission worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to construct an "African peace and security architecture" that ranged from proactive diplomacy to avert looming conflicts through to coordinated mediation efforts and peacekeeping operations, all underpinned by norms and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act.

From BBC

The statement said the WRU is "very proud" of its proactive approach through the community game, promoting the importance of all participants looking after themselves both physically and mentally.

From BBC

Despite her prognosis, the 51-year-old said she wanted to do "something proactive" and help change laws so that people had the right to choose to end their lives.

From BBC