# strategic

/stɹəˈtidʒɪk/ (US) · /stɹətˈiːdʒɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strategic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. carefully planned

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. military/large-scale

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The company made a strategic decision to expand into Asia.
- The manager placed the most experienced staff in the busiest section as a strategic move to improve customer service.
- The board's strategic vision involves a complete digital transformation over the next decade to ensure the firm remains competitive in an increasingly automated global marketplace.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.