tactic
TAK-tihk
Tactic (noun) means a specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, especially as part of a larger plan. Example: “Cutting prices was just one tactic in their bigger marketing strategy.”
noun
1
A specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, especially as part of a larger plan.
"Cutting prices was just one tactic in their bigger marketing strategy."
"Delaying the vote was a clever tactic by the opposition."
"Asking questions was her tactic for keeping the meeting calm and on track."
How to use tactic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA single move or method used to reach a goal, usually as one piece of a wider strategy.
Common mistake
"Tactic" is a specific move; "strategy" is the overall plan those moves serve.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a delaying tactic
scare tactics
change tactics
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Word forms
- Plural
- tactics
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cutting prices was just one _____ in their bigger marketing strategy.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek taktikos, "fit for arranging," via New Latin tactica.
Related words
Rhymes for tactic
See all rhymes for tactic →Frequently asked questions
What does “tactic” mean?
The word “tactic” means a specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, especially as part of a larger plan. In plain terms, a single move or method used to reach a goal, usually as one piece of a wider strategy.
How do you pronounce “tactic”?
“Tactic” is pronounced TAK-tihk (/ˈtæktɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tactic” in a sentence?
Here is “tactic” used in a sentence: “Cutting prices was just one tactic in their bigger marketing strategy.”
What part of speech is “tactic”?
“Tactic” is a noun.
Where does the word “tactic” come from?
The word “tactic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek taktikos, "fit for arranging," via New Latin tactica.
Is “tactic” a common word?
“Tactic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
What is the difference between a tactic and a strategy?
A tactic is a specific action or method used to achieve a particular goal, while a strategy is the broader overall plan that ties multiple tactics together. In other words, strategy sets the direction and tactics are the individual steps taken to get there.
Is tactic usually singular or plural in use?
Tactic is often used in the plural, as in 'sales tactics' or 'delaying tactics,' to describe a set of related methods used as part of a larger plan. The singular form refers to one specific action or method.
What are examples of common collocations with tactic?
Common phrases include 'scare tactic,' 'delaying tactic,' 'negotiating tactic,' and 'change of tactic,' all describing a specific method aimed at achieving a goal. These pairings show how the word is typically applied to deliberate, goal-directed actions.
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