proactive

pro·ac·tive

adjective \(ˌ)prō-ˈak-tiv\

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

— pro·ac·tive·ly adverb

Examples of PROACTIVE

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

First Known Use of PROACTIVE

1933

Related to PROACTIVE

Synonyms

farseeing, farsighted, forehanded, foreseeing, forethoughtful, forward, forward-looking, prescient, foresighted, provident, visionary

Antonyms

half-baked, half-cocked, improvident, myopic, shortsighted

Related Words

careful, cautious, heedful; discerning, insightful, perceptive, percipient, prudent, sagacious, sage, sapient, wise

Near Antonyms

careless, heedless, incautious

Rhymes with PROACTIVE

abstractive, attractive, contractive, detractive, distractive, extractive, impactive, inactive, protractive, reactive, refractive, subtractive

pro·ac·tive

adjective \(ˈ)prō-ˈak-tiv\   (Medical Dictionary)

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>