reactive

adjective

re·​ac·​tive rē-ˈak-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or marked by reaction or reactance

2

a

: readily responsive to a stimulus

b

: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset

reactive depression

reactively adverb

reactiveness noun

Examples of reactive in a Sentence

The government's response to the problem was reactive rather than proactive.

Recent Examples on the Web

Retinol also has a reputation for making skin more reactive to the sun, but is this true or just a rumor? —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 May 2026

Over time, these tools can help turn budgeting from something reactive into a consistent financial habit. —Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 14 May 2026

For years, the department had become increasingly reliant on a reactive hiring model that, while effective at addressing immediate staffing shortages, masked underlying weaknesses within the broader hiring process. —Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026

Contrary to the myth of the perpetually reactive CEO, Molinaroli insists that in his case reflection was always present, even if unevenly distributed. —Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reactive

• C-reactive protein
• hyper-reactive
• reactive arthritis

Rhymes for reactive

• active
• tractive
• attractive
• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• refractive
• subtractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive

Kids Definition

reactive

adjective

re·​ac·​tive rē-ˈak-tiv 

1

: of or relating to reaction

2

: reacting or tending to react

reactively adverb

reactiveness noun

reactivity

(ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

reactive

adjective

re·​ac·​tive rē-ˈak-tiv 

1

a

: of, relating to, or marked by reaction

reactive symptoms

a reactive process

b

: capable of reacting chemically

highly reactive materials

2

a

: readily responsive to a stimulus

the skin of the geriatric is less reactive than that of younger persons

—Louis Tuft

b

: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset especially from factors outside the organism

reactive depression