initiative
gb/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/ us/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
B2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
property
1
ability to act independently
The ability to start doing something without waiting for someone to tell you.
Usage pattern:
[someone] shows/takes initiative
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'initiative' with 'initiation'; 'initiative' is about self-starting action, while 'initiation' is the act of beginning something formally.
Synonyms
enterprise (Often used in business contexts; can also imply creativity and resourcefulness.)
|
drive (Informal; emphasizes strong motivation and energy.)
Antonyms
passivity (Describes not taking action or waiting for others to act.)
Collocations
take initiative
|show initiative
|lack initiative
|demonstrate initiative
|encourage initiative
Themes
business
|daily life
|personal development
|work
|education
Examples
- She showed great initiative by organizing the meeting herself.
- Employers value workers who take initiative instead of waiting for instructions.
- If you see a problem, use your initiative to fix it.
- The project succeeded thanks to his initiative.
- Lack of initiative can slow down progress in a team.
Learner examples
- He took the initiative to help the new student.
- I like workers who show initiative.
- She used her initiative to solve the problem.
- We should take the initiative and start now.
Noun
B2
entity
2
new plan or program
A new plan or action to reach a goal or solve a problem.
Usage pattern:
launch/start [an] initiative
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'initiative' with 'incentive'; an incentive is a reward to encourage action, while an initiative is the action plan itself.
Synonyms
program (More general term for an organized set of activities.)
|
campaign (Often refers to organized efforts for change or promotion, especially in politics or marketing.)
Antonyms
status quo (Maintaining current conditions instead of starting new actions.)
Collocations
launch an initiative
|government initiative
|new initiative
|community initiative
Themes
business
|government
|projects
|work
Examples
- The city launched a new initiative to reduce traffic congestion.
- This health initiative aims to encourage more exercise among children.
- Several environmental initiatives are being funded this year.
- The company introduced an initiative to improve workplace diversity.
Learner examples
- The school started an initiative to plant trees.
- The government made an initiative to help poor families.
- They began an initiative to clean the park.
Noun
formal
C1
relation
3
right to propose laws
The right to suggest new laws or changes to laws.
Synonyms
proposal right (More descriptive phrase; not a fixed legal term.)
Antonyms
referendum (A public vote on a proposal rather than the right to propose it.)
Collocations
citizen's initiative
|legislative initiative
Themes
government
|law
|politics
Examples
- Several states allow citizens to place initiatives on the ballot.
- The legislative initiative was blocked by the committee.
- Through a popular initiative, voters can propose amendments.
Learner examples
- The people used an initiative to change the law.
- This country allows initiatives from its citizens.
- An initiative can be voted on by the public.
Grammar
Dictionary form
initiative
IPA
GB/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
US/ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
Syllables & stress
ini - ti - at - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: initiative
- Plural: initiative, initiatives
Word family
Forms
initiatives
noun
Related words
initiation
noun B2
initiator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
uninitiated
adjective
Expressions
on one's own initiative
1/ˈɔn wˈʌnz ˈoʊn ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
formal
act by personal decision only
To do something because you decided to, without being told or asked.
Examples
- She went to speak with the manager on her own initiative.
- He applied for the course on his own initiative.
show initiative
1/ʃˈoʊ ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
demonstrate self-motivation
To act in a way that proves you can start things without help or orders.
Examples
- He showed initiative by finding a cheaper supplier.
- Students are encouraged to show initiative in their projects.
take the initiative
1/tˈeɪk ðə ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
act first without being told
To be the first person to do something, especially before anyone else acts.
Examples
- She took the initiative and called the client before her boss asked her to.
- If you see a problem, take the initiative and fix it.