adj
reactive
ree-AK-tihv
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
Word Forms
more reactive comparative, most reactive superlative
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The company took a _____ approach, only fixing problems once customers complained.
Etymology
From "react" plus the adjective suffix "-ive."