noun
initiative
ih-NIHSH-uh-tihv
noun
1
A new plan or effort aimed at solving a problem or achieving a goal.
"The city launched a new initiative to reduce plastic waste."
"The government's job-training initiative created thousands of new roles."
2
The ability to act and make decisions on your own, without being told what to do.
"She showed real initiative by fixing the problem before anyone noticed."
How to Use Initiative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a fresh plan to tackle something, or the personal drive to act without waiting for instructions.
Common pairings
take the initiative
a new initiative
show initiative
launch an initiative
Word Forms
initiatives plural
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The city launched a new _____ to reduce plastic waste.
Etymology
From French initiative, ultimately from Latin initium, "a beginning."