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

The Ukrainians have done their best to mitigate the type’s greatest flaw, its thin armor, by adding blocks of reactive armor and anti-drone netting. —David Axe, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Arsenal anticipate a reactive window — one which will be informed by the needs of the squad. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

Supporting actor Yura Borisov getting traction for his unshowy, reactive performance could be a sign voters may be ready to put a ring on it. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Dec. 2024

From questionable draft decisions to a lack of stability in the coaching ranks, the organization has often appeared disorganized and reactive rather than proactive. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 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