reactive

adjective

re·​ac·​tive rē-ˈak-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or marked by reaction or reactance

2

a

: readily responsive to a stimulus

b

: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset

reactive depression

reactively adverb

reactiveness noun

Examples of reactive in a Sentence

The government's response to the problem was reactive rather than proactive.

Recent Examples on the Web

Light: What are the three main types of asset allocation strategies, and how does the glide path fit into this framework? Sadler: At the most general level, the three categories of asset allocation strategies in personal finance are: static allocation, dynamic allocation and reactive allocation. —Larry Light, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Despite initial concerns about Maggie’s reactive nature, the two dogs quickly formed a tight bond. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Laughter and tears are both reactive, one more traditionally public and the other normally reserved for private, but each a sign of something involuntary and each capable of providing a different kind of catharsis. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

Positive interactions with parents, friends, and teachers can help even the most reactive child become less agitated over time. —Gail O'Connor, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reactive

• C-reactive protein
• hyper-reactive
• reactive arthritis

Kids Definition

reactive

adjective

re·​ac·​tive rē-ˈak-tiv 

1

: of or relating to reaction

2

: reacting or tending to react

reactively adverb

reactiveness noun

reactivity

(ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

reactive

adjective

re·​ac·​tive rē-ˈak-tiv 

1

a

: of, relating to, or marked by reaction

reactive symptoms

a reactive process

b

: capable of reacting chemically

highly reactive materials

2

a

: readily responsive to a stimulus

the skin of the geriatric is less reactive than that of younger persons

—Louis Tuft

b

: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset especially from factors outside the organism

reactive depression