proactive
1 synonym and 2 antonyms for proactive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Taking action ahead of time to prevent or prepare for a problem, rather than just reacting once it happens.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
retroactive
reactive
How to use proactive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
proactive approach
be proactive about
Etymology
Coined in 1933 by psychologists Paul Whiteley and Gerald Blankfort, later popularized in the 1946 book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, deliberately as the opposite of "reactive."
Full origin of proactive →Frequently asked questions
What does “proactive” mean?
The word “proactive” means taking action ahead of time to prevent or prepare for a problem, rather than just reacting once it happens. In plain terms, acting ahead of a problem instead of just responding after it happens.
How do you pronounce “proactive”?
“Proactive” is pronounced proh-AK-tihv (/pɹoʊˈæk.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “proactive” in a sentence?
Here is “proactive” used in a sentence: “The company took a proactive approach to cybersecurity instead of waiting for a breach.”
What is the opposite of “proactive”?
The opposite of “proactive” — its antonyms — is reactive.
What part of speech is “proactive”?
“Proactive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “proactive” come from?
The word “proactive” dates back to around 1933. Coined in 1933 by psychologists Paul Whiteley and Gerald Blankfort, later popularized in the 1946 book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, deliberately as the opposite of "reactive.".
Is “proactive” a common word?
“Proactive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
