If someone is reactive, they behave in response to what happens to them, rather than deciding in advance how they want to behave. I want our organization to be less reactive and more pro-active.
Define reactive. reactive synonyms, reactive pronunciation, reactive translation, English dictionary definition of reactive. adj. 1. Tending to be responsive or to react to a stimulus.
There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word reactive, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Reactive describes something that responds to events or changes rather than initiating them. It often implies a quick or automatic response to external stimuli, such as reactive behavior or materials.
Adjective reactive (comparative more reactive, superlative most reactive) That reacts or responds to a stimulus. (chemistry) That readily takes part in reactions.
REACTIVE meaning: 1 : done in response to a problem or situation reacting to problems when they occur instead of doing something to prevent them; 2 : tending to change into something else when mixed with another substance
• We must be reactive rather than proactive, because becoming motivated and taking initiatives involves gaining power. • Many businesses follow a reactive strategy rather than initiating new products.
