self-starter

noun

self-start·​er ˌself-ˈstär-tər How to pronounce self-starter (audio)
1
2
: a person who has initiative

Examples of self-starter in a Sentence

hired a self-starter who instantly saw what needed to be done, and did it
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Beyond skills, consider how to pinpoint self-starters who are hungry to learn and embrace a changing workplace and diverse workforce. Kathleen Duffy, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Working from home and hybrid working arrangements are still being deliberated, but their popularity among self-starter employees and those who can perform without direct, in-person oversight is undeniable. Sean Manning, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 Stop dreaming and turn your attention to being a self-starter. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2024 Employers love a self-starter — but when a worker with lofty ambitions decided to mount his own piece at an art museum in Munich this year, his efforts were not appreciated by his superiors. Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024 Be a self-starter and open conversations with people of interest. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024 Being a successful independent fractional executive also requires a self-starter attitude. Andrea Pietrini, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Enhance Forecasts With Customer Insights Financial leaders will likely improve their financial forecasting by interviewing those closest to the customers who have been proven performers and self-starters. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Theresa rocked it during her one-on-one time with Gerry, in part with a detailed explanation of her impressive self-starter financial career. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-starter was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near self-starter

Cite this Entry

“Self-starter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-starter. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-starter

noun
self-start·​er
ˈself-ˈstärt-ər
: a person who is ambitious
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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