strategy

[strat-i-jee]

noun

plural

strategies 

1. Also the science or art of combining and employing the means of war in planning and directing large military movements and operations.

2. the use or an instance of using this science or art.

3. skillful use of a stratagem.

   The salesperson's strategy was to seem always to agree with the customer.

4. a plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or result.

   a strategy for getting ahead in the world.

strategy

/ ˈstrætɪdʒɪ /

noun

1. the art or science of the planning and conduct of a war; generalship

2. a particular long-term plan for success, esp in business or politics Compare tactics

3. a plan or stratagem

Other Word Forms

• counterstrategy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategy¹

First recorded in 1680–90; from Greek stratēgía “generalship,” equivalent to stratēg(os) “military commander, general” ( strat(ós) “army” + -ēgos, noun derivative of ágein “to lead”) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategy¹

C17: from French stratégie, from Greek stratēgia function of a general; see _stratagem

Synonym Study

In military usage, a distinction is made between strategy and tactics. Strategy is the utilization, during both peace and war, of all of a nation's forces, through large-scale, long-range planning and development, to ensure security or victory. Tactics deals with the use and deployment of troops in actual combat.

Example Sentences

The Conservatives have pledged to scrap the UK's landmark climate change legislation and replace it with a strategy for "cheap and reliable" energy.

From BBC

BBC Sport assesses the record-breaking takeover, what it means and whether it signals a change in strategy or a general diversification of PIF's business interests.

From BBC

Alan Dickens will take on the role of head coach, reporting to McIlroy, while Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is to become a part-time adviser on strategy and philosophy for the north east club.

From BBC

That strategy, which is just being implemented, has sought to entice insurers to write policies in fire-prone neighborhoods, but has been criticized by some consumer advocates as a giveaway to the insurance industry.

From Los Angeles Times

You don’t have an electoral strategy,’” Fonda recalled.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action 
• approach 
• blueprint 
• design 
• game plan 
• method 
• plan 
• planning 
• policy 
• procedure 
• program 
• project 
• scenario 
• scheme 
• system 

When To Use

What is strategy?

A strategy is a plan or method put in place to achieve a goal or result, as in Blanca’s strategy for passing the test was to study every night until test day.Strategy can refer to the use of tactics in the planning of military operations, usually to succeed in a battle or war. In a military context, a strategy can refer to an overall plan, a specific or broad goal, or the execution of said plan or goal.Strategy can also refer to the use of a strategy to meet a goal, as in The only way to win a war is with a solid strategy.Example: Their strategy was to distract the enemy and then sneak in from behind.