Word
tactics
Phoneticstac·tics, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtæktɪks/
UK/tˈæktɪks/
Plural noun
Definition
n. the specific steps or methods you use to win a game or reach a goal.
n. specific actions or procedures carefully planned to achieve a particular end. Often used in the plural to describe a series of moves.
Examples
“The team changed their tactics in the second half to win the game.”
“The marketing department used aggressive social media tactics to increase sales before the holiday season.”
“While the overarching strategy remained sound, the failure to adapt local tactics to the shifting terrain led to a series of avoidable setbacks during the initial phase of the campaign.”
Examples
simple
“The team changed their tactics in the second half to win the game.”
contextual
“The marketing department used aggressive social media tactics to increase sales before the holiday season.”
complex
“While the overarching strategy remained sound, the failure to adapt local tactics to the shifting terrain led to a series of avoidable setbacks during the initial phase of the campaign.”
Pitfall
Our strategy and tactic were successful.
Our strategy and tactics were successful.
When referring to a set of methods, 'tactics' is almost always used in the plural form.
Real-World Examples
“Criminals have used similar tactics in car parks and railway stations across the country.” “Stopping the trade in equipment for Channel crossings is the first layer of tactics being used by the UK and other countries.” Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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