What does initiative mean example?

Definition of initiative noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

See initiative in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

the initiative : the power or opportunity to do something before others do

If you want to meet her, you're going to have to take the initiative and introduce yourself.
The company has the opportunity to seize the initiative by getting its new products to the market before its competitors.
By failing to get its products to the market on schedule, the company has lost the initiative (to its competitors).

[noncount] : the energy and desire that is needed to do something

She has ability but lacks initiative. [=drive]

◊ If you do something on your own initiative, you do it because you choose to, not because someone has told you to do it.

I'm doing this on my own initiative. [=because I want to]

◊ If you use your (own) initiative, you decide for yourself what to do instead of waiting to be told by someone else.

You should use your own initiative to come up with a solution.

[count] : a plan or program that is intended to solve a problem

The governor has proposed a new initiative to improve conditions in urban schools.

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[ ih-nish-uh-tiv, ih-nish-ee-uh- ]

/ ɪˈnɪʃ ə tɪv, ɪˈnɪʃ i ə- /

See synonyms for: initiative / initiatives on Thesaurus.com

This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.

an introductory act or step; leading action: to take the initiative in making friends.

readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise: to lack initiative.

one's personal, responsible decision: to act on one's own initiative.

Government.

a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption.Compare referendum (def. 1).
the general right or ability to present a new bill or measure, as in a legislature.

of or relating to formal admission or acceptance into a club or other group; signifying an initiation: The secret society's initiative events are best left undescribed.

serving to set in motion or initiate; introductory; beginning: Initiative steps were taken to stop manufacture of the drug.

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First recorded in 1785–95; initiate + -ive

in·i·ti·a·tive·ly, adverbself-in·i·ti·a·tive, nounsu·per·in·i·ti·a·tive, nounun·in·i·ti·a·tive, adjective

initial rhyme, Initial Teaching Alphabet, initiate, initiated, initiation, initiative, initiator, initiatory, in itself, inject, injectable

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

action, drive, leadership, push, ambition, dynamism, energy, enterprise, enthusiasm, get-up-and-go, gumption, inventiveness, moxie, originality, punch, resource, resourcefulness, spunk, steam, vigor

The research initiative began in 2000 due to increased sightings and a growing fear of conflicts with humans.
This initiative had the support of all 22 members of the Arab League, which in and of itself is remarkable.
After almost five months without a solution, the lack of initiative is starting to embarrass the Lebanese government.
I started volunteering around Atlanta with the Health Initiative and some other groups and stuff, and with HRC and everything.
Shortly thereafter, Facebook announced a similar initiative, although their plan calls for the use of drones instead of balloons.
A major part of the Obama initiative aims to get more and better Internet access for the Cuban people.
I do not think, however, that he taught this on his own initiative, but possibly at Rubinsteins expressed wish.
The Life & Letters of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky|Modeste Tchaikovsky
It is the initiative spirit that is wanting; for, thank Heaven, it is neither the brain nor the money that lacks.
Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell
The governor was further to have the initiative of all measures proposed in the council, five of whom were required for a quorum.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
By his initiative Italian naval industry, almost non-existent in 1873, made rapid progress.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
Could not one or two of the more favoured sex manage to inspire them with a little initiative?

The Daughters of Danaus|Mona Caird

/ (ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv, -ˈnɪʃətɪv) /

the first step or action of a matter; commencing movehe took the initiative; a peace initiative

the right or power to begin or initiate somethinghe has the initiative

the ability or attitude required to begin or initiate something

government

the right or power to introduce legislation, etc, in a legislative body
the procedure by which citizens originate legislation, as in many American states and Switzerland

on one's own initiative without being prompted

of or concerning initiation or serving to initiate; initiatory

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

see on one's own account (initiative); take the initiative.

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