English Reference

Word

strategy

Phoneticsstrat·e·gy, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈstɹætədʒi/

UK/stɹˈætədʒi/

Definitions

01a plan of action

A2 · Elementary Countable noun General-service

n. a detailed plan you make to reach a specific goal over a long period.

n. a comprehensive plan of action intended to accomplish a specific objective. Countable in this sense.

“The company developed a new marketing strategy to attract younger customers.”

“The board of directors met to refine their long-term growth strategy, focusing on expansion into emerging markets over the next decade.”

02military command

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal · Technical

n. the skill of planning how to move and use an army in a war.

n. the science and art of military command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of large-scale warfare.

“The general was famous for his brilliant military strategy during the war.”

“Historians still debate whether the grand strategy employed during the campaign was truly effective or merely a result of superior resources.”

Usage

Often contrasted with 'tactics', which refers to smaller, immediate actions.

Teaching tip

In a military context, strategy is the 'big picture' while tactics are the specific steps taken on the ground.

Synonyms

generalshipmanoeuvring

Antonyms

03the act of planning

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic

n. the process of thinking about and making plans.

n. the systematic process of strategizing or developing effective plans. Uncountable in this sense.

“The success of the project was due to careful strategy and hard work.”

“Effective corporate strategy requires a deep understanding of both internal capabilities and external market pressures.”

Synonyms

planningstrategizing

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “strategy” in context.

01. strategy from a club 02. alternative strategy 03. appropriate strategy 04. develop strategy 05. effective strategy 06. evaluate strategy 07. explore strategy 08. general strategy 09. identify strategy 10. long-term strategy 11. lower strategy 12. planning strategy

Real-World Examples

“World Cup glory could all come down to penalties. What’s the best strategy?”
The Guardian 28 Jun 2026
“Alibaba is sharpening its artificial intelligence strategy by focusing on agents that connect the many businesses under its sprawling corporate umbrella.”
Reuters 18 Mar 2026
“Europe needs to protect its own industries with a "Made in Europe" strategy, EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne said in a newspaper article published late on Sunday that was co-signed by more than 1,100 CEOs and other business leaders.”
Reuters 2 Feb 2026
“The United States will reassert its dominance in the Western Hemisphere, build military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and possibly reassess its relationship with Europe, President Donald Trump said on Friday in a sweeping strategy document that seeks to reframe the country's role in the world.”
Reuters 7 Dec 2025

Etymology

From Ancient Greek στρατηγία (stratēgía, “office of general, command, generalship”), 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.

Synonyms

Word family

NOUN

strategy(A2)

ADJECTIVE

Related words

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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