proactive

American  

[proh-ak-tiv] / proʊˈæk tɪv /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Usage

What does proactive mean? Proactive is the opposite of reactive. Actions that are proactive are initiated not in reaction to a situation but instead out of a desire to make a positive change, prepare for a situation, or prevent something from happening.Proactive is commonly used to describe people who take such actions. It’s also commonly used in the phrase proactive measures, meaning proactive actions, especially those done to prevent a negative situation.Example: Henry credits most of his success to being proactive instead of waiting for opportunities to come to him.

Other Word Forms

• proactive noun
• proactively adverb
• proactiveness noun
• proactivity noun

Etymology

Origin of proactive

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

Example Sentences

The studies recommend that school districts take a more proactive approach in identifying students and their families experiencing homelessness and improve coordination by integrating data systems, among other measures.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

"Shifting the paradigm toward proactive prevention strategies earlier in life can meaningfully change the trajectory of cardiovascular disease and lead to better health outcomes for people decades later," says Seth Martin, M.D.,

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

About 18 months ago, the council of Gwynedd, in north-west Wales, made what it called a "proactive step" to limit the number of second homes in the area.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

President Jimmy Carter used his 1980 State of the Union address to articulate a proactive new American position toward the region, centered on the strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

It’s amazing that no one has yet blamed me for not being more proactive in the battle against the cow.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green