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

Like a corporate fire drill, this preparation meant that when real issues arose, our response was instinctive rather than reactive. —Sidharth Ramsinghaney, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The broadcaster is not on the hook to be proactive here, but rather reactive. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024

As seen with elections in the past, and the January 6th insurrection, the American public often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state. —Essence, 4 Nov. 2024

Many more likely live near a plant with reactive chemicals. —Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 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