# strategy

/ˈstɹætədʒi/ (US) · /stɹˈætədʒi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a plan of action

noun · CEFR A2 · General-service

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. military command

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. the act of planning

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the process of thinking about and making plans.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- We need a new strategy to win the next football match.
- The company's marketing strategy focuses on social media campaigns to attract younger customers.
- Faced with declining market share and aggressive new competitors, the board convened an emergency meeting to overhaul their long-term corporate strategy.

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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.