Initiative
noun /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ — Taking action yourself without being told to.
Definition
The ability to assess a situation and take action without being directed to; self-motivated action.
Beyond the definition
Taking initiative is about not waiting. It's one of the qualities that most clearly separates people who progress in their careers from those who stall. Initiative says: I saw something that needed doing, and I did it.
Origin & history
From Latin initiare — to begin, from initium 'beginning'. Taking the first step.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She took the initiative to set up the meeting rather than waiting for someone else to.
He showed real initiative by identifying the problem before anyone else noticed.
'Show initiative' on a job description means: don't wait to be told everything.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Initiative” when the meaning fits your context: The ability to assess a situation and take action without being directed to; self-motivated action.
Synonyms
proactivity, drive, enterprise, self-motivation, leadership
Antonyms
passivity, waiting, inaction
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Waiting for the Moment
An adult stands on a balcony with a camera, ready to catch a specific beam of sunlight hitting a flower pot.
The person's decision to be present with their equipment before the light changes shows initiative. They have assessed the situation and taken action to secure the result without being directed, demonstrating a self-motivated engagement with their environment.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Initiative" mean?
Initiative is noun meaning: Taking action yourself without being told to.. The ability to assess a situation and take action without being directed to; self-motivated action.
Where does the word "Initiative" come from?
From Latin initiare — to begin, from initium 'beginning'. Taking the first step.