go-getter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, positive connotation in professional/colloquial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “go-getter” mean?
An ambitious, energetic, and aggressively enterprising person who is determined to succeed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ambitious, energetic, and aggressively enterprising person who is determined to succeed.
A person who actively and persistently pursues goals, opportunities, or advancement, often characterized by initiative, drive, and a proactive attitude.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common and naturalized in American English. British usage often retains a faintly Americanised flavour but is fully understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly positive in business contexts. In informal British use, may occasionally carry a subtle nuance of mild amusement or slight skepticism towards the person's relentless energy.
Frequency
Higher frequency in AmE; established but less frequent in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “go-getter” in a Sentence
be a go-getterprove oneself (to be) a go-getterhire/look for go-gettersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go-getter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She really knows how to go-get.
American English
- If you want that promotion, you've got to go-get it.
adjective
British English
- He has a very go-getting attitude about the project.
American English
- She's known for her go-getter spirit in the office.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in recruitment, management, and performance reviews to describe desirable, proactive employees. (e.g., 'We need go-getters in our sales team.')
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in business studies, management, or sociology texts discussing personality types.
Everyday
Used to describe someone known for their initiative and energy in work, study, or personal projects.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “go-getter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “go-getter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go-getter”
- Spelling: 'go-getter' with a hyphen. Not 'go getter' or 'gogetter'. Using it in overly formal contexts where 'enterprising individual' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly positive, especially in professional contexts. It praises initiative and drive. Very rarely, it might be used with a slightly sarcastic tone to imply someone is overly pushy.
Yes, absolutely. It is a gender-neutral noun. Example: 'She's a real go-getter.'
A 'hard worker' focuses on diligent effort. A 'go-getter' implies that plus proactive ambition, seeking out opportunities, and a drive to achieve specific goals, often with a sense of speed and competitiveness.
Yes, the standard spelling is with a hyphen: go-getter. The related adjective is also hyphenated: go-getting.
An ambitious, energetic, and aggressively enterprising person who is determined to succeed.
Go-getter is usually informal, positive connotation in professional/colloquial contexts. in register.
Go-getter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ ˌɡet.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ ˌɡet̬.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “has get-up-and-go”
- “full of beans”
- “a real live wire”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "GO and GET her goals!" – The person is always going and getting what they want.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/SUCCESS IS A RACE/PURSUIT (the person actively chases and acquires success).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'go-getter' LEAST appropriate?