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: dynamism, forcefulness, 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.

   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. without being prompted

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• initiatively adverb
• self-initiative noun
• superinitiative noun
• uninitiative 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

It followed a failed 2022 sports betting initiative that the tribes spent millions of dollars to sponsor and that included a similar provision that would have let the tribes sue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The food bank puts a lot of resources into mobile pantries or farm-to-pantry initiatives that get fresh produce into these food desert communities.

Read more on Salon

In Biya's case, the civil society activist says, the president has been able to do "significant things," citing several youth initiatives.

Read more on BBC

In frothy times, he says, companies announce major initiatives and product plans that they don't yet have the capital for.

Read more on BBC

Nearly 5.7 million people in violence-wracked Haiti are suffering from malnutrition, and that number could climb to six million in the coming months, according to a report released Friday by a UN-backed food security initiative.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• action 
• drive 
• leadership 
• push