asymmetric warfare

American  

Or asymmetrical warfare

noun

1. warfare in which opposing groups or nations have unequal military resources, and the weaker opponent uses unconventional weapons and tactics, as terrorism, to exploit the vulnerabilities of the enemy.

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Etymology

Origin of asymmetric warfare

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

China is closely observing these trends, while Taiwan’s parliament cut funding for drone and asymmetric warfare capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

And Iranian strides in drone-making capabilities have boosted the country’s ability to wage asymmetric warfare.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Taiwan has responded to the growing pressure by increasing defence spending on smaller and more nimble weaponry to enable its military to wage asymmetric warfare against more powerful Chinese forces.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

The U.S. has been pushing Taiwan to develop asymmetric warfare strategies by investing in smaller and lighter weapons such as the reduced-size submarine.

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2023

But the island has long pursued an asymmetric warfare strategy where it aims to build a more agile defence force to face down a larger and well-resourced enemy.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2023