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initiative

initiative

458 3.5
A new plan to solve a problem or reach a goal
  • noun
  • /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
translation icon : iniciativa
  • I've been asked to lead the Liberian Reconciliation Initiative as part of my work.
  • launch a initiative
  • implement an initiative
  • support an initiative

So I believe that we urgently need new initiatives to rebuild lost trust.

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Examples

  • I'm very supportive of your training initiatives.

  • Let's talk about this new initiative from the EU Invest AI.

  • Last but not least, this initiative would not be possible.

  • Most recently, in 2009, the "Race to the Top" initiative was announced by the Obama administration.

    Academic text (2012)
  • This is exactly the type of initiative that Mr. Pete likes to foster in New Products, so, well done.

  • As the war ended, a number of peace and reconciliation initiatives began in the country.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Brazil is also the home to great environmental and social initiatives.

  • In other news, the government of Ecuador has taken the lead in the green earth initiative to ensure that we do not make the same mistakes again.

  • A Midwestern urban school district recently launched a technology initiative aimed at developing 21st-century skills.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The city council introduced a new initiative to improve public transportation services for residents.

Synonyms

plan
vsinitiative
1.0

A set of steps arranged to reach a goal

is a new action meant to solve a particular problem
project
vsinitiative
2.5

A planned piece of work to reach a goal

is a new organized effort focused on solving a problem
program
vsinitiative
  • US
2.5

A planned set of services and projects to achieve a goal

is a new coordinated plan meant to solve a defined problem
course of action
vsinitiative
70 3.6

A plan of steps to reach a goal

is a new move intended to address a problem
plan of action
vsinitiative
13 3.4

A clear set of steps to reach a goal

is a new action aimed specifically at solving a problem

Antonyms

39 4.9

Not doing anything when something should be done

Compounds

A step that starts talks to end a conflict between countries or groups

A large project where many countries work together to solve world problems

A program that teaches people new skills and helps them change their behaviour

A secret Italian left-wing group known for bombings in Rome between 2000 and 2002

How Ambitious

campaign
2.7
program
  • US
2.5
initiative
458 3.5
plan
1.0
proposal
817 2.9
suggestion
759 1.4

Surface Forms

initiative singular
initiatives plural

Morphology

initiative = initiate (semi-transparent) = initiat + ive

The suffix '-ive' typically forms adjectives, but here it forms a noun, which might confuse learners.

Etymology

Initiative originally means a 'beginning' from Latin initium 'beginning', which helps explain its use today. That is why a new plan or action is called an initiative — it is meant to start work toward a goal.