What does "strategic" mean?

1. (carefully planned) done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a specific goal. 2. (military/large-scale) relating to large-scale military plans that help win a war, rather than just one small battle.

How do you use "strategic"?

Usually placed before the noun. Often used to describe weapons, locations, or movements.

strategic

adj.

US //stɹəˈtidʒɪk// UK //stɹətˈiːdʒɪk// strate·gic

1 carefully planned (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a specific goal.

relating to a long-term plan or the overall aims of an organisation.

Example

The company made a strategic decision to close its smaller shops and focus on online sales.

Example

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.
- random
- accidental
2 military/large-scale (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical

relating to large-scale military plans that help win a war, rather than just one small battle.

relating to the identification of long-term military objectives and the deployment of forces to achieve them, as opposed to tactical local engagements.

Example

The island was in a strategic position for controlling the shipping lanes.

Example

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.
- high level
- long range
- tactical

Origin

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”).

Word family

Adjectivestrategic
Adverbstrategically