Initiative: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe someone taking the first step or being proactive, especially in a work or community setting.

• She showed great initiative by starting the new project on her own

Typically used in a business context to describe a project or venture that involves risk and initiative.

• The new tech startup is an ambitious enterprise that could revolutionize the industry

Often used to refer to someone's motivation and determination, especially in achieving goals or pursuing tasks.

• His drive to succeed is what sets him apart from others in his field

Refers to the ability to guide or manage people, often used in organizational or group settings.

• His leadership during the crisis was instrumental in keeping the team focused and motivated

Used to highlight someone's cleverness or creativity, particularly in problem-solving or inventing new things.

• Her ingenuity in creating unique solutions was recognized with an innovation award

Something that is started or introduced to achieve an aim or solve a problem. Often used in professional or formal environments when referring to new plans or actions.

• The company launched a new initiative to improve customer satisfaction.
• Her initiative to recycle waste has been successful.

A series of activities or events designed to achieve a specific goal, often used in political, marketing, or social contexts.

• The mayor's campaign for re-election was very successful.
• The charity is running a campaign to raise awareness about climate change.

A planned piece of work or an activity that is done over a period of time with specific goals, often used in academic, professional, or creative contexts.

• We are working on a new project to develop renewable energy sources.
• Her research project focuses on the impact of social media on teenagers.

A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a specific objective, often used in British English or formal contexts. Can also have a negative connotation when used to describe a devious or dishonest plan.

• The government announced a new scheme to support small businesses.
• His scheme to defraud investors was discovered by the authorities.

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim, commonly used in business, military, or competitive environments.

• Our marketing strategy focuses on targeting younger consumers.
• The general developed a bold strategy to tackle the enemy forces.

Use when referring to the ability to act independently and take charge before others do. Often used to describe actions taken proactively.

• She took the initiative to start the new project.
• The company's latest initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions.

Appropriate when highlighting a sustained effort towards achieving a difficult or important goal. Often used for personal or collective efforts.

• This research endeavor could change human health forever.
• He always puts great effort into every academic endeavor.

Ideal for describing a risky or adventurous business or project. It often carries a sense of potential financial risk.

• Their new venture into the tech market is risky but promising.
• She decided to launch a new venture in renewable energy.

Describes a task or project, often large or challenging, that one engages in. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

• Building the new bridge was a massive undertaking.
• His latest undertaking involves writing a comprehensive history book.

Best used in a business context, referring to a company or business activity, especially one that is bold or complex.

• Running a small business is a challenging enterprise.
• The new tech enterprise aims to revolutionize online shopping.