Word
preventive
Phoneticspre·ven·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈvɛnɪv/
UK/pɹɪvˈɛntɪv/
Definitions
01stopping a problem
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. intended to stop something bad from happening.
adj. intended to forestall or inhibit the occurrence of an undesirable event or condition.
“The company took preventive measures to make sure the machines didn't break down.”
“The security team implemented preventive protocols to mitigate the risk of a data breach before any vulnerabilities could be exploited.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'preventive measures' or 'preventive action'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02medical protection
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. used to stop an illness or health problem before it begins.
adj. relating to the inhibition of disease or the slowing of its development; synonymous with prophylactic.
“Regular exercise and a healthy diet are important for preventive medicine.”
“The clinic focuses on preventive healthcare, offering screenings that detect potential issues while they are still manageable.”
Teaching tip
Learners may see 'preventative' used in the same way; both are correct, though 'preventive' is often preferred in technical and medical writing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a protective measure
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. something that you do or take to stop a problem.
n. a measure, drug, or device used to prevent an undesirable event or disease.
“The doctor suggested a daily vitamin as a preventive against the flu.”
“While the new law is a useful preventive, it does not address the root causes of the social unrest.”
Usage
Usually functions as a countable noun.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“This is not because more children are getting sick, but because they can no longer access preventive and community-based nutrition services previously available to them.” “These include the ship's crew, pilots, charterers, managers and people taking preventive measures.” Etymology
Borrowed from New Latin praeventīvus. Equivalent to prevent + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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