self-starter

American  

[self-stahr-ter] / ˈsɛlfˈstɑr tər /

noun

1. starter.

2. Informal. a person who begins work or undertakes a project on their own initiative, without needing to be told or encouraged to do so.

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self-starter British  

noun

1. the former name for a starter

2. a person who is strongly motivated and shows initiative, esp at work

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Other Word Forms

• self-starting adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-starter

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

She’s a natural, a self-starter, a quick learner, a hard bargainer, a mistress of disguise — really just putting on a wig, some good clothes and a posh British or American accent.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2024

Still, Swift, her team, and the media have successfully branded the singer as a self-starter.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2024

That, coupled with her undimmed energy as a self-starter, resulted in the Benedetti Foundation, a music education project she started in 2019, which provides large-group opportunities for string players of all abilities.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2023

If you are a self-starter who thrives under minimal supervision, then you will find great success as the surfing jet-ski guy.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2021

Their son was a self-starter, a little bit of a loner, and very self-sufficient.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston