Word
tactic
Phoneticstac·tic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtæktɪk/
UK/tˈæktɪk/
Definitions
01a planned action
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a specific action or method you use to reach a goal.
n. a maneuver or action calculated to achieve a specific end, particularly in a competitive or goal-oriented context.
“The team's main tactic was to keep the ball as long as possible.”
“The marketing department adopted a new tactic, offering deep discounts to first-time users to increase their market share rapidly.”
Usage
Often used in the plural when discussing a general approach to a problem.
02chemistry
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adj. describing a chemical structure where the parts are arranged in a specific way.
adj. describing a polymer in which the repeat units are identical in their spatial arrangement.
“The scientist explained how the tactic structure of the plastic made it stronger.”
“The physical properties of the polymer are heavily influenced by whether the chain is isotactic or another form of tactic arrangement.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tactic” in context.
Verb
01. adopt a tactic
“Many retailers adopt the tactic of offering limited-time discounts to create urgency.”
verb + noun
02. employ a tactic
“The marketing team decided to employ a new tactic to reach younger consumers.”
verb + noun
03. resort to a tactic
“The candidate had to resort to a desperate tactic to save his failing campaign.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. diversionary tactic
“The lawyer used a diversionary tactic to shift the jury's attention away from the evidence.”
adj + noun
05. effective tactic
“Active listening is an effective tactic for resolving conflicts in the workplace.”
adj + noun
06. underhanded tactic
“The company was criticized for using underhanded tactics to sabotage its competitors.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. delaying tactic
“The defense attorney used every possible delaying tactic to postpone the trial.”
noun + noun
08. scare tactic
“The advertisement was accused of being a scare tactic designed to frighten elderly voters.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“Seduction in the pursuit of secrets exploits the intimacy of sex and the sometimes irrational depths of desire: is it any wonder that it’s a tactic in the great game of spycraft?” “That tactic irritated the American side and was part of the push to impose these new tariffs in a way force Canada to the table.” “It’s tempting to think that this tactic won’t work on the politically savvy people who pay attention to PAC names.” “The tactic was so effective that Philby was actually appointed to head of the anti-Soviet section of MI6 (the British intelligence office) near the end of World War II.” Etymology
Borrowed from New Latin tactica, from Ancient Greek τακτικός (taktikós, “fit for ordering”), from τάσσω (tássō, “to order, to arrange”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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