Proactive: meaning, definitions and examples

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proactive

 

[ prəʊˈæktɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

workplace

Proactive describes a person or behavior that takes action before a situation occurs, rather than just reacting to it. Being proactive means anticipating problems and opportunities and taking steps to address them before they arise.

Synonyms

anticipatory, forward-thinking, preemptive, vigilant

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • The company encourages employees to be proactive in identifying and solving issues.
  • She took a proactive stance in preparing for the upcoming project.
Context #2 | Adjective

personal development

Proactive refers to taking control of one's own life and actions, rather than being reactive or passive. It involves actively making choices and decisions to shape one's future.

Synonyms

empowered, self-directed, self-initiated, self-motivated

Examples of usage

  • She decided to be proactive about her health and started exercising regularly.
  • Being proactive in setting goals can lead to greater success in life.
  • He believes in taking a proactive approach to achieving his dreams.

Translations

Translations of the word "proactive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proativo

🇮🇳 सक्रिय

🇩🇪 proaktiv

🇮🇩 proaktif

🇺🇦 проактивний

🇵🇱 proaktywny

🇯🇵 プロアクティブ

🇫🇷 proactif

🇪🇸 proactivo

🇹🇷 proaktif

🇰🇷 프로액티브

🇸🇦 استباقي

🇨🇿 proaktivní

🇸🇰 proaktívny

🇨🇳 主动的

🇸🇮 proaktiven

🇮🇸 aðgerðarsinnaður

🇰🇿 белсенді

🇬🇪 პროაქტიული

🇦🇿 proaktiv

🇲🇽 proactivo

Etymology

The term 'proactive' was first introduced by author and consultant Stephen R. Covey in his book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' published in 1989. Covey emphasized the importance of being proactive in personal and professional life as a key to success. The concept has since become widely used in various fields to describe a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

See also: activewear, activism, activist, inactive, inactively.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,708, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.