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

These self-starters are American citizens, immigrants living in the country legally and illegally, and are part of a $504-million industry in L.A., according to estimates from the Economic Roundtable, a nonprofit public policy research organization.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

From Salon

So when you croon the lines, you need to both gently guide them so they’re not intimidated, but also motivate them to be an independent self-starter.

From Los Angeles Times

He tells his safeties and nickels to be “self-starters,” players who feel energized by the opponent, no matter who it is.

From Seattle Times