What does "innovative" mean?

1. (new and original) using new ideas or methods that have not been tried before. 2. (forward-thinking) thinking about the future and using new ways to improve things.

How do you use "innovative"?

Often used to describe technology, business strategies, or creative designs. Commonly used in academic or professional contexts to describe leaders or theories.

innovative

adj.

US //ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv// UK //ˈɪnəvˌeɪtɪv// in·no·va·tive

1 new and original (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate General-service

using new ideas or methods that have not been tried before.

featuring new methods or original ideas; characterized by the introduction of something novel.

Example

The company won an award for its innovative design of a foldable smartphone.

Example

The startup's innovative approach to renewable energy storage has attracted significant interest from international investors looking for sustainable solutions.

Usage

Often used to describe technology, business strategies, or creative designs.
- original
- groundbreaking
- novel
- inventive
- traditional
- unimaginative
- conservative
2 forward-thinking (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

thinking about the future and using new ways to improve things.

forward-looking and ahead of current mainstream thinking or established practices.

Example

Our teacher uses innovative methods to help us learn English faster.

Example

The professor is known for her innovative research into cognitive linguistics, which challenges several long-held assumptions in the field.

Usage

Commonly used in academic or professional contexts to describe leaders or theories.
- outdated
- obsolete

Origin

From innovate + -ive.