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Glite Dictionary
proaction

proaction

7.8
To take action before a problem happens
  • noun
  • /proʊˈækʃən/
translation icon : proactividad
  • PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Electronic surveillance allows proaction to detect problems within the infrastructure usually before major problems arise.

Examples

  • The company's proaction in updating its safety protocols helped avoid accidents.

  • It makes better sense for us to take a position of proaction rather than reaction.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Proaction is then possible.

    Academic text (1996)

  • It is obvious that complete proaction is not possible since principals and teachers cannot foresee all problems in education.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Taking proaction to improve our community can prevent future issues.

  • Proaction is essential in project planning to anticipate and mitigate risks.

Synonyms

initiative
vsproaction
34 4.2

The first action that starts a series of events

acts earlier to prevent or prepare for expected problems

Antonyms

inaction
39 4.9

Not doing anything when something should be done

How Proactive

leadership
510 3.5
proaction
7.8
reactivity
1 6.8
passivity
9 6.3

Surface Forms

proaction singular
proactions plural

Morphology

proaction = action (semi-transparent) = pro + action

Formally transparent as 'pro-' + 'action' suggests acting in advance, but the coinage is rare and potentially ambiguous (may be read as 'in favor of action'), so learners might not reliably infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Proaction comes from pro- meaning 'forward' and action meaning 'doing', like in the familiar word proactive. So, proaction means taking steps before a problem appears, acting in advance to deal with what might happen.