tactical
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to tactics, especially the placement of military or naval forces in battle or at the front line of a battle.
-
characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure, especially of military or naval forces.
tactical movements.
-
(of a weapon) short range, as battlefield missiles.
A tactical nuclear weapon would still present significant risks to battlefield troops on both sides of the conflict.
-
of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.
-
expedient; calculated.
-
prudent; politic.
adjective
-
of, relating to, or employing tactics
a tactical error
-
(of weapons, attacks, etc) used in or supporting limited military operations
a tactical missile
tactical bombing
-
skilful or diplomatic
a tactical manoeuvre
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tactical
Explanation
A tactical move on the military's part is one that is carefully planned and often small in scale, but important in getting control of an area. Tactical comes from the Greek taktike techne meaning "art of arrangement." When something is tactical, it is artfully arranged, or planned. This most often refers to military or naval operations, but it doesn't have to. When someone does something with a goal that is beyond the immediate result of his action, that can be seen as a tactical move. For example, renovating your kitchen might be a tactical move if you're planning to eventually sell your house and want to increase its property value.
Vocabulary lists containing tactical
Ender's Game
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Look Both Ways
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Underneath his placid demeanor, Cook is a tactical corporate strategist whose decisions haven’t always sat well with everyone.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 2026
She implemented wry wit like a tactical defense, a trusty tool in her arsenal that could disarm an opponent and defuse tricky conversations.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
Enhanced-return investing is “focused on outperforming a benchmark, index or peer group through security selection, market timing, tactical asset allocation or other investment strategies,” La Spisa says.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 27, 2026
Former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Postegoclou said Ronaldo, who spread his arms in a questioning gesture towards the bench when he was substituted, was taken off as part of a different tactical approach.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
Weapons-wise, I’ve got a paintball gun, a tactical hunting slingshot, and a Wildcat Whisper pellet rifle.
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
