Originally a psychological term indicating an empowered, self-reliant individual, this has evolved through misuse into a neo-antonym of 'reactive', and is used as such to emphasise the preferability of one attitude or course of action over another. It connotes alertness, awareness and preparedness, and seeks to dispel any conceivable impression of incompetence.
'Proactive' is interesting in that it is perhaps the classic example of the unnecessary neologism. It serves as an antonym to 'reactive', yet 'reactive' is itself the antonym of 'active'.
Arguably, since 'proactive' is now perhaps more widely used than 'active' for the specific purpose covered by the newer word, 'proactive' must be recognised as a legitimate word. The cult of hatred that has understandably grown up around the word can only help it endure further.
'Proactive' is interesting in that it is perhaps the classic example of the unnecessary neologism. It serves as an antonym to 'reactive', yet 'reactive' is itself the antonym of 'active'.
Arguably, since 'proactive' is now perhaps more widely used than 'active' for the specific purpose covered by the newer word, 'proactive' must be recognised as a legitimate word. The cult of hatred that has understandably grown up around the word can only help it endure further.
One is 'active' as opposed to being 'passive' or 'reactive'. One is 'proactive' as opposed to 'speaking English'.
by Peter Gibney December 20, 2006
This is the shit that Proactiv put me through
2 weeks just to get "the package"
10 fucking minutes just to finish the "3 Steps"
The "3 Steps" are complicated as fuck
I have to apply the fucking treatment TWICE a dah
Dry ass skin
Green Tea Moisturizer doesn´t do shit
1 whole month just to get results
The people who try to sell you Proactiv on the phone try to sell you way too many shit
Proactiv has shit for every single thing(WHY CANT YOU JUST MAKE FUCKING SIMPLE ACNE TREATMENT THAT ALL COMES IN ONE BOTTLE?)
They sent me some "magic pills" called Vitaclear which turned my piss bright yellow
Etc.
Sometimes I get lazy when I´m using Proactiv because of all the shit mentioned above
Was it worth it? Fuck no. Did I get results? Yes, but it took too long to get results. Is it worth buying? Only if you´re desperate to get rid of acne. I think it´s overrated and customers don´t tell Proactiv all the shit it puts them through. But hey, at least my acne is gone(for now)
2 weeks just to get "the package"
10 fucking minutes just to finish the "3 Steps"
The "3 Steps" are complicated as fuck
I have to apply the fucking treatment TWICE a dah
Dry ass skin
Green Tea Moisturizer doesn´t do shit
1 whole month just to get results
The people who try to sell you Proactiv on the phone try to sell you way too many shit
Proactiv has shit for every single thing(WHY CANT YOU JUST MAKE FUCKING SIMPLE ACNE TREATMENT THAT ALL COMES IN ONE BOTTLE?)
They sent me some "magic pills" called Vitaclear which turned my piss bright yellow
Etc.
Sometimes I get lazy when I´m using Proactiv because of all the shit mentioned above
Was it worth it? Fuck no. Did I get results? Yes, but it took too long to get results. Is it worth buying? Only if you´re desperate to get rid of acne. I think it´s overrated and customers don´t tell Proactiv all the shit it puts them through. But hey, at least my acne is gone(for now)
*J is watching TV*
Commercial Announcer: Clear skin is sexy skin. Buy Proactiv now!
*J gets up to look at the mirror*
J sees his utterly disgusting acne
J: Damn I need to order that shit!
2 weeks later
J: Finally no more asshole acne!
3 days later
J: AHH MY FACE IS FUCKING DRY AND IT BURNS AHHH! I NEED TO WASH THIS SHIT OFF!
J takes a break from using Proactiv for 3 days
3 weeks later
J: Damn look at my skin! All that´s left is acne scars. Apparalenty Proactiv has something for that too...
Commercial Announcer: Clear skin is sexy skin. Buy Proactiv now!
*J gets up to look at the mirror*
J sees his utterly disgusting acne
J: Damn I need to order that shit!
2 weeks later
J: Finally no more asshole acne!
3 days later
J: AHH MY FACE IS FUCKING DRY AND IT BURNS AHHH! I NEED TO WASH THIS SHIT OFF!
J takes a break from using Proactiv for 3 days
3 weeks later
J: Damn look at my skin! All that´s left is acne scars. Apparalenty Proactiv has something for that too...
by I´mYoGrandpaSoListenUp February 28, 2012
a word smart people use to sound dumb, "proactive" supposes a superior degree of action and, perforce, an inferior inaction and can be likened to the attempt to qualify an absolute. a patent nonsense and specious construct deriving from the same font of blather from which insurance and real estate industry "professionals" drink freely, whence also comes;
"pricepoint", "impactful", "empowered" and "that said". an example of the fundamental paradox of the school of polysyllabic palaver which proves more is actually less.
"pricepoint", "impactful", "empowered" and "that said". an example of the fundamental paradox of the school of polysyllabic palaver which proves more is actually less.
i empowered my client when the pricepoint i suggested proved impactful to the sale of their home. that said, i was proactive.
by lexicali slim September 26, 2009
… ProActivize...
by ABC Dictionary August 31, 2023
by Loony Choon January 13, 2004
Sometimes used before, while, or after having sex. Also in a relationship. When used in this context, it usually means the person wants you to take more control, meaning it's not all about the other person.
"You're fine in bed, but be more proactive"
"I feel like im the man in this relationship, you need to be more proactive"
"I feel like im the man in this relationship, you need to be more proactive"
by Kat [MyChem 4evr] November 4, 2007
The act of engaging in a useful and beneficial task when you are supposed to be doing something more important.
Bob is always in a state of proactive procrastination. Instead of doing his homework, he does his laundry and cleans his room.
by romioc October 17, 2007