# proactive

/ˌpɹoʊˈæktɪv/ (US) · /pɹəʊˈæktɪv/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proactive
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

taking action to make things happen instead of waiting for them to happen to you. You use this to describe someone who plans ahead to avoid future problems.

For teachers: acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes. Often used in professional contexts to describe a self-initiated and future-oriented mindset.

## Examples

- She took a proactive approach to her health by exercising daily.
- The company is being proactive by fixing the software bug before any customers notice a problem.
- Adopting a proactive stance on environmental regulations allowed the firm to transition its manufacturing processes long before the new laws became mandatory, giving them a significant competitive advantage.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he is very proactive to his work" but "he is very proactive about his work" — When describing the subject of the action, 'proactive' typically takes the preposition 'about' or 'in', rather than 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Often used in professional or self-improvement contexts; frequently modifies nouns like 'approach', 'role', or 'measure'.

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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.