Great Power

noun

1. a nation that has exceptional military and economic strength, and consequently plays a major, often decisive, role in international affairs.

Great Power

noun

1. a nation that has exceptional political influence, resources, and military strength

Other Word Forms

• Great-Power adjective
• great-power adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Great Power¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

They see that he’s a buffoon, but they know that the United States is still the world’s most consequential great power.

Read more on Slate

Ultimately, the Kremlin leader wants to regain political sway over Kyiv, reclaim Russia’s status as a great power and secure his place in history, Russia watchers say.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Putin is carrying out this war out of principle, to cancel the outcome of the Cold War and return Russia to its acknowledged position as a great power,” said Ruslan Pukhov, founder of Moscow-based defense and arms industry think tank the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In “Great Power Diplomacy,” A. Wess Mitchell offers a compelling argument for diplomacy as a strategic tool when challenges outstrip the resources available to meet them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“A military that is sealing the border and walking the streets to fight crime is not getting ready for the lethal weapons of a great power adversary such as China or Russia.”

Read more on Salon