B2noun 1K

Initiative

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/"]/

Meaning of Initiative

a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular purpose

In simple words: A plan or way to start something new or to solve a problem.

Initiative in a sentence

• She took the initiative to start the community garden project.
• The government announced a new initiative aimed at reducing pollution.
• His initiative in leading the team was commendable.
• You must show some initiative if you want to succeed in this environment.
• The initiative was met with enthusiasm from the local residents.
• Thanks to the initiative by her colleagues, the project was completed ahead of schedule.
• He lacks the initiative to pursue new opportunities.
• Taking the initiative in your learning can greatly improve your skills.

How to use Initiative

Often used in business or organizational contexts. Avoid using in very casual settings. For example, 'They launched a new initiative to improve teamwork.'

Grammar pattern

initiative + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'initiate' — you are starting something important.

Related words

Collocations with Initiative

• fresh
• new
• innovative
• range
• series
• undertake
• plan
• develop
• be aimed at something
• be designed to
• seek to do something
• initiative against
• initiative by
• initiative for
• great
• real
• individual
• have
• display
• show
• on somebody’s initiative
• initiative in
• a lack of initiative
• on your own initiative
• have
• hold
• gain
• come from somebody/​something
• lie with somebody
• initiative in

Synonyms for Initiative

• action
• enterprise
• strategy
• plan
• program

Opposites of Initiative

• inactivity
• indifference

Common mistakes with Initiative

• Confused with 'initiatives' as a singular noun.
• Using it without specifying the noun it relates to.
• Overgeneralizing by using 'initiative' to mean all plans.

Frequently asked questions about Initiative

What does Initiative mean?

A plan or way to start something new or to solve a problem.

What is the definition of Initiative?

a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular purpose

How do you use Initiative in a sentence?

She took the initiative to start the community garden project.

Can you give another example of Initiative?

The government announced a new initiative aimed at reducing pollution.

What are synonyms for Initiative?

Common alternatives include action, enterprise, strategy, plan, program.

What is the opposite of Initiative?

Opposite meanings include inactivity, indifference.

What words go with Initiative?

It commonly pairs with fresh, new, innovative, range, series, undertake, plan, develop, be aimed at something, be designed to, seek to do something, initiative against, initiative by, initiative for, great, real, individual, have, display, show, on somebody’s initiative, initiative in, a lack of initiative, on your own initiative, have, hold, gain, come from somebody/​something, lie with somebody, initiative in.

What are common mistakes when using Initiative?

Confused with 'initiatives' as a singular noun. Using it without specifying the noun it relates to. Overgeneralizing by using 'initiative' to mean all plans.

How do you pronounce Initiative?

US: /["/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/"]/, UK: /["/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Initiative?

Often used in business or organizational contexts. Avoid using in very casual settings. For example, 'They launched a new initiative to improve teamwork.'

What CEFR level is Initiative?

"Initiative" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.