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

Workplace practices that cultivate belonging can no longer be reactive or assigned to any one person – they must be woven into the very essence of a company’s culture and operations. —Julie Kratz, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Audiences were charmed by York's portrayal of the awkward, reactive, but kind-hearted Darrin. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Luxury stocks have been reactive to news out of key market China, as Beijing aims to boost its economy. —Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024

So the color and flavor of this Mundial reposado is darker and more assertive than the regular expression, which makes sense given that timing—the wood is more reactive having been used to age whiskey for much less time prior to aging the tequila. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 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