The meaning of INITIATIVE is an introductory step. How to use initiative in a sentence.

INITIATIVE definition: 1. a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem: 2. the ability to use your…. Learn more.

Definition of initiative noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

An initiative is an important act or statement that is intended to solve a problem. Government initiatives to help young people have been inadequate. There's talk of a new peace initiative.

in•i•ti•a•tive (i nish′ ē ə tiv, i nish′ ə-), n. 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, …

1. the first step or action of a matter; commencing move: he took the initiative; a peace initiative. 2. the right or power to begin or initiate something: he has the initiative.

INITIATIVE definition: an introductory act or step; leading action. See examples of initiative used in a sentence.

Dec 11, 2025 · From French initiative, from Medieval Latin *initiativus (“serving to initiate”), from Late Latin initiare (“to begin, to initiate”), from Latin initium (“beginning”), from ineo (“enter, begin”).

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

initiative, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary