B2nounworkpolitics
US/ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/
UK/ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/
a new plan to solve a problem; also the ability to act and decide things without being told
In context
The city launched a new initiative to plant one million trees by 2030.
Our manager likes people who show initiative instead of waiting for instructions.
Nobody asked her to, but she took the initiative and organised a team lunch.
Words that go with initiative
verb + noun
- take the initiativeIf you want a promotion, you need to take the initiative.
- show initiativeInterns who show initiative often get job offers.
- launch an initiativeThe ministry launched an initiative to teach coding in primary schools.
- lack initiativeHis boss said he was hard-working but lacked initiative.
adjective + noun
- new initiativeThe bank announced a new initiative to help small farmers.
noun + noun
- government initiativeA government initiative gives free laptops to poor students.
noun + preposition
- initiative toThe school has started an initiative to reduce plastic waste.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She is very initiative at work.Correct: She shows a lot of initiative at work. / She is very proactive at work.