initiative

A new plan or action intended to solve a problem or improve something.

• The school launched a reading initiative.
• This initiative will help families find housing.
• Several new initiatives aim to improve public transport.

How to use it: an initiative to do something (They launched an initiative to reduce waste.)

Similar words: plan, project, programme

Common phrases: launch an initiative, new initiative, peace initiative

The position of being able to act first and decide what happens next.

• We need to take the initiative.
• The home team seized the initiative after halftime.
• By waiting too long, they lost the initiative.

Similar words: upper hand, lead

Common phrases: take the initiative, seize the initiative, lose the initiative

The ability to start useful actions without waiting for someone to tell you what to do.

• She showed initiative at work.
• Use your initiative if you notice a problem.
• Employers value people with initiative.

Similar words: resourcefulness, drive

Common phrases: show initiative, use your initiative, personal initiative, individual initiative

The first action that starts a process or activity.

• She took the initiative and called him.
• The initiative came from the youngest member.
• Who will take the initiative in opening talks?

How to use it: take the initiative in doing something (He took the initiative in arranging the meeting.)

Similar words: first move, first step

Common phrases: take the initiative, initial initiative