initiative

/ɪˈnɪʃədɪv/

/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

Other forms: initiatives

Initiative is all about taking charge. An initiative is the first in a series of actions. Initiative can also mean a personal quality that shows a willingness to get things done and take responsibility.

An initiative is the start of something, with the hope that it will continue. Government and business start initiatives all the time. You can also talk about initiative as a personal quality. A person with initiative is motivated to do things. If you take the initiative, you're willing to get things done on your own. Taking initiative can be risky: If you do something on your own initiative, then there's nobody you can blame if it goes wrong.

Definitions of initiative

1. noun

   readiness to embark on bold new ventures
   synonyms: enterprise, enterprisingness, go-ahead

   type of:

   drive

   the trait of being highly motivated
2. noun

   a new strategy or plan to solve a problem or improve a situation
   type of:

   plan of action

   a plan for actively doing something
3. noun

   the first of a series of actions
   synonyms: first step, opening, opening move

   types:

   curtain raiser

   any preliminary activity

   first base

   the initial stage in accomplishing something

   peace initiative

   opening move in negotiating a peace treaty

   type of:

   beginning, commencement, start

   the act of starting something
4. adjective

   serving to set in motion
   “the initiative phase in the negotiations”

   synonyms: first, inaugural, initiatory, maiden

   opening

   first or beginning