adj
Uncommon
reactive
ree-AK-tihv
Reactive (adj) means responding to events after they happen rather than planning ahead for them. Example: “The company took a reactive approach, only fixing problems once customers complained.”
adj
1
Responding to events after they happen rather than planning ahead for them.
"The company took a reactive approach, only fixing problems once customers complained."
2
Of a substance, likely to undergo a chemical reaction easily.
"Pure potassium is extremely reactive with air and water."
How to use reactive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishResponding to things after they occur, or, for chemicals, quick to undergo reactions.
Common mistake
Contrasted with "proactive," which means planning ahead instead of just responding.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
reactive approach
highly reactive
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more reactive
- Superlative
- most reactive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company took a _____ approach, only fixing problems once customers complained.
Etymology
From "react" plus the adjective suffix "-ive."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unreactive
proactive
Related words
Rhymes for reactive
See all rhymes for reactive →Frequently asked questions
What does “reactive” mean?
The word “reactive” means responding to events after they happen rather than planning ahead for them. In plain terms, responding to things after they occur, or, for chemicals, quick to undergo reactions.
How do you pronounce “reactive”?
“Reactive” is pronounced ree-AK-tihv (/ɹiˈæktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “reactive” in a sentence?
Here is “reactive” used in a sentence: “The company took a reactive approach, only fixing problems once customers complained.”
What is the opposite of “reactive”?
The opposite of “reactive” — its antonyms — is proactive.
What part of speech is “reactive”?
“Reactive” is an adjective.
Is “reactive” a common word?
“Reactive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “reactive” have?
“Reactive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: responding to events after they happen rather than planning ahead for them.
What is the difference between reactive and proactive?
Reactive describes responding to events only after they happen, rather than planning ahead to prevent or shape them. Proactive is the opposite, meaning to anticipate problems and act in advance rather than waiting to respond.
What does reactive mean in chemistry?
In a chemical context, reactive describes a substance that readily undergoes a chemical reaction, meaning it changes or combines easily with other substances. This differs from the everyday sense, which describes responding to events after they occur.
Is reactive a negative trait in management or behavior?
Reactive is often used with a mildly critical tone, suggesting a lack of planning, since it implies responding to problems only after they arise. It is frequently contrasted unfavorably with being proactive or prepared.
