Word
strategic
Phoneticsstrate·gic
US/stɹəˈtidʒɪk/
UK/stɹətˈiːdʒɪk/
Definitions
01carefully planned
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a specific goal.
adj. relating to a long-term plan or the overall aims of an organisation.
“The company made a strategic decision to close its smaller shops and focus on online sales.”
“The board's strategic shift toward renewable energy sources was designed to ensure long-term viability in a changing regulatory landscape.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02military/large-scale
C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical
adj. relating to large-scale military plans that help win a war, rather than just one small battle.
adj. relating to the identification of long-term military objectives and the deployment of forces to achieve them, as opposed to tactical local engagements.
“The island was in a strategic position for controlling the shipping lanes.”
“The deployment of strategic bombers served as a deterrent, signalling the nation's readiness to defend its interests across the entire region.”
Usage
Often used to describe weapons, locations, or movements.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “strategic” in context.
Verb
01. gain a strategic advantage
“By investing in new technology early, the firm managed to gain a strategic advantage over its competitors.”
verb + adj + noun
02. provide strategic direction
“The new consultant was hired to provide strategic direction during the merger process.”
verb + adj + noun
Noun
03. strategic alliance
“The two tech giants formed a strategic alliance to develop next-generation artificial intelligence.”
adj + noun
04. strategic importance
“The port city is of great strategic importance due to its location along major shipping routes.”
adj + noun
05. strategic objective
“Our primary strategic objective is to expand our market share in Southeast Asia by the end of the fiscal year.”
adj + noun
06. strategic planning
“The board of directors is meeting this week to discuss long-term strategic planning for the company.”
adj + noun
Adverb
07. highly strategic
“The CEO made a highly strategic decision to divest from the declining fossil fuel sector.”
adv + adj
08. strategically placed
“The company has several strategically placed warehouses to ensure rapid delivery across the country.”
adv + adj
09. strategic partnership
10. strategic waterway
Real-World Examples
“It was the second attack this year at the airport , a strategic hub that serves as the ruling military’s command, hosting its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft.” “As well as its strategic significance, the island chain – consisting of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group – provides access to rich fishing grounds and valuable mineral deposits.” “Despite despising each other, they’re pushed to pretend their strategic alliance is also a romantic one – but surely that’s just for the cameras?” Etymology
From Ancient Greek στρατηγικός (stratēgikós, “of or for a general", also "a treatise on strategy”), from στρατηγός (stratēgós, “the leader or commander of an army, a general”), from στρατός (stratós, “army”) + ἄγω (ágō, “I lead, I conduct”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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