tactic

American  

[tak-tik] / ˈtæk tɪk /

noun

1. tactics.

2. a system or a detail of tactics.

3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

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adjective

1. of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

-tactic ¹ British  

combining form

1. having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

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tactic ² British  

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

1. a piece of tactics; tactical move See also tactics

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Other Word Forms

• nontactic noun

Etymology

Origin of tactic

First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

This contrarian rebalancing tactic of selling top performers to pay for new bets adds “modest value over the long run,” writes Trivariate Research President Adam Parker.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

“Maybe it’s a TACO, maybe it’s a negotiating tactic, or maybe it’s a ruse. No one knows for sure, maybe not even Trump himself,” Elliott said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

"One tactic is using suction traps that rely on steady cues, such as continuous CO2 release or constant light sources, to attract mosquitoes," Zuo said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

His preferred fundraising style was “less based on relationships, much more based on math and giving everyone a chance to participate,” versus the clubby tactic of playing investors against each other, Michael said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Desperate, the jockey resorted to an old bush-league tactic.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• ploy