strategic
struh-TEE-jihk
Strategic (adjective) means relating to a carefully thought-out plan aimed at achieving a long-term goal. Example: “The company made a strategic decision to enter the Asian market.”
adjective
1
Relating to a carefully thought-out plan aimed at achieving a long-term goal.
"The company made a strategic decision to enter the Asian market."
"Opening a second branch near the university was a strategic move for the cafe."
"She took a strategic approach to saving, setting small goals that led to a bigger one."
2
Relating to large-scale military planning, as opposed to smaller tactical moves.
"a strategic bomber aircraft"
"a strategic nuclear weapon"
"The general drew up a strategic plan for the whole campaign."
"Strategic thinking at the top shaped how the army was supplied."
"The base was considered strategically important during the war."
How to use strategic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCarefully planned with a long-term goal in mind, rather than reacting moment to moment.
Common pairings
strategic plan
strategic decision
strategic importance
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more strategic
- Superlative
- most strategic
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The company made a _____ decision to enter the Asian market.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek "strategikos" ("of a general"), from "strategos" ("general, army leader").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for strategic
See all rhymes for strategic →Frequently asked questions
What does “strategic” mean?
The word “strategic” means relating to a carefully thought-out plan aimed at achieving a long-term goal. In plain terms, carefully planned with a long-term goal in mind, rather than reacting moment to moment.
How do you pronounce “strategic”?
“Strategic” is pronounced struh-TEE-jihk (/stɹəˈti.dʒɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “strategic” in a sentence?
Here is “strategic” used in a sentence: “The company made a strategic decision to enter the Asian market.”
What part of speech is “strategic”?
“Strategic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “strategic” come from?
The word “strategic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek "strategikos" ("of a general"), from "strategos" ("general, army leader").
Is “strategic” a common word?
“Strategic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “strategic” have?
“Strategic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a carefully thought-out plan aimed at achieving a long-term goal.
What is the difference between strategic and tactical?
Strategic refers to the big picture — long-term goals and the overall plan for reaching them. Tactical refers to the specific, short-term actions that carry that plan out. Strategy decides where you're going and why; tactics handle the day-to-day steps of how you get there.
What is an example of strategic thinking?
Strategic thinking might mean a company choosing which markets to enter over the next five years, deciding to invest in a new technology early, or positioning a brand for long-term growth. It weighs future consequences and competing options rather than reacting to immediate, short-term pressures.
Is being strategic a good thing?
Usually, yes. Calling a decision strategic implies foresight, planning, and purpose — qualities prized in business and leadership. Occasionally it hints at being calculating or self-interested, as in a 'strategic' friendship. Context decides, but the core sense of deliberate, goal-focused planning is generally positive.
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