strategy
- 01 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“The company developed a new marketing strategy to attract younger customers.”
In context“The board of directors met to refine their long-term growth strategy, focusing on expansion into emerging markets over the next decade.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The general was famous for his brilliant military strategy during the war.”
In context“Historians still debate whether the grand strategy employed during the campaign was truly effective or merely a result of superior resources.”
UsageOften contrasted with 'tactics', which refers to smaller, immediate actions.
Teacher's tipIn a military context, strategy is the 'big picture' while tactics are the specific steps taken on the ground.
SynonymsgeneralshipmanoeuvringAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the process of thinking about and making plans.
the systematic process of strategizing or developing effective plans. Uncountable in this sense.
Simple“The success of the project was due to careful strategy and hard work.”
In context“Effective corporate strategy requires a deep understanding of both internal capabilities and external market pressures.”
Synonymsplanningstrategizing
Usage strategy from a club · alternative strategy · appropriate strategy
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.