ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reactive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹiˈæktɪv// UK //ɹɪˈæktɪv// re·ac·tive

adj. responding to something that happens, rather than causing it yourself. You are reactive when you wait for a problem before you act.

adj. responding to an external stimulus or event rather than initiating action. Often used to describe a passive approach to management or behavior.


SIMPLE

She is reactive instead of proactive.

CONTEXTUAL

The team was reactive to the crisis rather than prepared.

COMPLEX

A reactive strategy often leads to higher costs because decisions are made under pressure rather than through careful planning.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From react + -ive.

Usage

Often contrasted with 'proactive'.

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