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strategy

n.
US //ˈstɹætədʒi// UK //stɹˈætədʒi// strat·e·gy
  1. 1 a plan of action (n.)
    A2 Elementary General-service

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The board of directors met to refine their long-term growth strategy, focusing on expansion into emerging markets over the next decade.
  2. 2 military command (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Technical

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

    Teacher's tip

    In a military context, strategy is the 'big picture' while tactics are the specific steps taken on the ground.
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  1. 3 the act of planning (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    the process of thinking about and making plans.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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”).

Word family

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