strategy
STRAT-ih-jih
Strategy (noun) means a carefully worked-out plan for reaching a particular goal, especially over the long term. Example: “Their marketing strategy focused on younger buyers.”
noun
1
A carefully worked-out plan for reaching a particular goal, especially over the long term.
"Their marketing strategy focused on younger buyers."
"He had no real strategy for the exam beyond hoping for the best."
"Saving a little each month is a sensible strategy for buying a home."
2
The overall art of directing large-scale operations, especially in warfare, as opposed to individual battles.
"Military strategy shaped the entire course of the war, not just single skirmishes."
"The general's strategy depended on cutting off the enemy's supplies."
"Students of history often compare naval strategy with strategy on land."
How to use strategy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA well-thought-out plan for winning or succeeding, big-picture rather than moment-to-moment.
Common mistake
Strategy is the overall plan; tactics are the specific actions used to carry it out. People often use the words interchangeably, but they're not quite the same.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
develop a strategy
exit strategy
long-term strategy
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Word forms
- Plural
- strategies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their marketing _____ focused on younger buyers.
Etymology
From Greek stratēgia, "the office or role of a general," from stratos ("army") plus agein ("to lead").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for strategy
See all rhymes for strategy →Frequently asked questions
What does “strategy” mean?
The word “strategy” means a carefully worked-out plan for reaching a particular goal, especially over the long term. In plain terms, a well-thought-out plan for winning or succeeding, big-picture rather than moment-to-moment.
How do you pronounce “strategy”?
“Strategy” is pronounced STRAT-ih-jih (/ˈstɹæt.ɪ.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “strategy” in a sentence?
Here is “strategy” used in a sentence: “Their marketing strategy focused on younger buyers.”
What is another word for “strategy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “strategy” include generalship.
What part of speech is “strategy”?
“Strategy” is a noun.
Where does the word “strategy” come from?
The word “strategy” comes from Greek. From Greek stratēgia, "the office or role of a general," from stratos ("army") plus agein ("to lead").
Is “strategy” a common word?
“Strategy” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “strategy” have?
“Strategy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a carefully worked-out plan for reaching a particular goal, especially over the long term.
What is the difference between strategy and tactics?
Strategy is the overall, long-term plan for reaching a goal — the big picture of what you want to achieve and why. Tactics are the specific short-term actions used to carry that plan out. Strategy sets the direction; tactics are the individual moves you make along the way. You need both, but strategy comes first.
Can strategy be taught or learned?
Yes. Although some people have a natural feel for it, strategic thinking is a skill built through study, experience and reflection. Business schools, the military and competitive sports all teach it deliberately, using frameworks, case studies and practice. Learning from the results of past decisions is one of the most powerful ways to improve.
What are the different types of strategy?
Strategy takes many forms depending on the field: business, marketing, military, political and game strategy are common examples. Organisations also talk about levels of strategy — corporate strategy sets the overall direction, while competitive and operational strategies handle how to win in a market and how to run things day to day.
What is an example of a strategy?
A company deciding to grow by targeting younger customers over the next five years is a strategy — a long-term plan with a clear goal. Lowering prices, launching a social-media campaign and redesigning the product are the tactics that serve it. The strategy is the destination; the tactics are the route.
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