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proactive

adjective
pro·​ac·​tive | \ (ˌ)prō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce proactive (audio) \

Definition of proactive

1 [ 1pro- ] : relating to, caused by, or being interference between previous learning and the recall or performance of later learning proactive inhibition of memory
2 [ 2pro- + reactive ] : acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes
Other Words from proactive Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about proactive

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Other Words from proactive

proactively adverb

Did You Know?

People who tend to react to a problem only when it's gotten serious could be called reactive people. Until recently, reactive (in this sense) didn't really have an antonym. So proactive was coined to describe the kind of person who's always looking into the future in order to be prepared for anything. A good parent attempts to be proactive on behalf of his or her children, trying to imagine the problems they might be facing in a few months or years. A company's financial officers study the patterns of the company's earnings to make sure it won't risk running short of cash at any point in the next year or two. Proactive has only been around a few decades, and it can still sometimes sound like a fashionable buzzword.

Examples of proactive in a Sentence

A survey was given out to customers so that the company could take proactive steps to improve their service. The city is taking a proactive approach to fighting crime by hiring more police officers.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Taking proactive steps to reduce or maintain your expenses can have a very positive impact on your bottom line. — Tom Cooney And Crystal Faulkner, Cincinnati.com, "BusinessWise: Reduce overhead to grow your bottom line," 12 Aug. 2019 Lewis has praised the Trump administration for taking more proactive steps to preventing mass shooting events than his predecessors. — Emily Tillett, CBS News, "19-year-old who lost brother in Sandy Hook shooting running for Connecticut state senate," 17 July 2019 Lifeguards are proactive about spotting bluffs that might be cracking and cautioning people from getting too close. — Rosanna Xiastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "A cliff collapse. Three deaths. More bluff failures expected with rising seas," 9 Aug. 2019 Faye, via email Faye: Be proactive about contacting a company or organization. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Hurricane coverage," 6 Aug. 2019 Production folks are always proactive about alerting area residents, businesses and passersby when a scene will involve simulated gunfire. — Jennifer Brett, ajc, "Clint Eastwood’s movie re-creates Centennial Olympic Park bombing," 2 Aug. 2019 Back in 2009, the university’s School of Medicine created the Healer Education Assessment and Referral program -- HEAR for short -- that has worked to take a more proactive approach to self-care among health care workers. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Program’s goal is to prevent nurse suicides," 29 July 2019 Being proactive about using strong passwords and protecting your identity and personal information is always a good idea. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for July 23, 2019: Happy birthday Kathryn Hahn; Leo, even a caped crusader needs a break," 23 July 2019 Kruse has a new role within South St. Paul police, one that is focused on bringing a more coordinated response to mental health calls and taking a more proactive approach to people dealing with the illness. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, "Shot by troubled gunman a year ago, South St. Paul officer now part of effort to defuse mental health calls," 15 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proactive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of proactive

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for proactive

proactive

adjective
How to pronounce proactive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of proactive

: controlling a situation by making things happen or by preparing for possible future problems

See the full definition for proactive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

proactive

adjective
pro·​ac·​tive | \ (ˈ)prō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce proactive (audio) \

Medical Definition of proactive

: relating to, caused by, or being interference between previous learning and the recall or performance of later learning proactive inhibition of memory

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