enterprising

adjective

en·​ter·​pris·​ing ˈen-tər-ˌprī-ziŋ 

ˈen-tə-ˌprī-

: marked by an independent energetic spirit and by readiness to act

an enterprising young reporter

Synonyms

• aggressive
• ambitious
• assertive
• fierce
• go-getting
• high-pressure
• in-your-face
• militant
• pushy
• self-asserting
• self-assertive

Examples of enterprising in a Sentence

As an enterprising young reporter, she covered many important stories.

the company is claiming that there will be huge financial rewards for enterprising sales representatives

Recent Examples on the Web

In a defense sentencing memo, Gonzalez’s attorney describes her as a gifted and enterprising young woman who acquired a B.S. degree in civil and environmental engineering and architectural design from Stanford in 2015, and was involved in other entrepreneurial activities beyond her drug business. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025

Von Reden is just one of the enterprising founders on this year’s 30 Under 30 Europe Science & Healthcare list. —Pamela Jew, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

In that case, the person should report the meter number or location to 311 and, ideally, take a photo of the broken meter as evidence in the event that an enterprising parking enforcement officer issues a citation. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025

More enterprising security teams escort clients to boats on the Hudson, hoping for passage. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enterprising

• advertising
• amortizing
• analyzing
• anodizing
• appetizing
• atomizing
• authorising
• authorizing
• carbonizing
• carburizing
• catalyzing
• centralising

Kids Definition

enterprising

adjective

en·​ter·​pris·​ing ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprī-ziŋ 

: bold, active, and energetic in undertaking or experimenting