# initiative

/ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (US) · /ɪnˈɪʃiətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/initiative
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. personal drive

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to see what needs to be done and doing it without being told.

For teachers: the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do; personal agency and resourcefulness.

- She showed great initiative by fixing the problem before her boss even noticed it.
- The manager praised the intern for taking the initiative to reorganise the filing system during the holiday lull.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'show' or 'take'.

### 2. a new plan

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a new plan or process started to achieve a goal or solve a problem.

For teachers: an introductory act or step; a specific project or programme designed to address a particular issue.

- The government launched a new initiative to help young people find jobs.
- The university's latest sustainability initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by forty percent over the next decade.

Usage: Commonly used in political and corporate contexts.

### 3. voter proposal

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

a process where citizens can propose a new law by getting enough signatures.

For teachers: a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute or constitutional amendment and compel a popular vote on its adoption.

- The citizens' initiative to ban plastic bags will be on the ballot this November.
- In several western states, the initiative process allows the electorate to bypass the legislature and enact laws directly through popular vote.

Usage: Typically used as a countable noun in political science contexts.

## Examples

- She showed great initiative by starting the project early.
- The government launched a new initiative to reduce plastic waste in the city's parks.
- While the CEO praised the staff's individual initiative, she emphasized that the new environmental initiative would require a coordinated effort across all departments to succeed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.