strategy

American  

[strat-i-jee] / ˈstræt ɪ dʒi /

noun

strategies plural

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.

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strategy British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• counterstrategy
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• strategies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of strategy

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

Explanation

In the game of capture-the-flag, running toward your flag screaming is not a good strategy. A strategy is any plan you make to achieve a goal. The word strategy was developed to describe plans people made for war, and strategies often rely on certain chief assets––the British strategy for world domination relied on its naval superiority, our strategy for this game relies on the other team's poor level of fitness. After they're exhausted, we go for the goal.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

strategy strategies

Oakley said in Oxbow’s stock strategy, they’re just over 60% invested, with 45 names and the rest in short-term Treasurys.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

“Our strategy is working. We are attracting a broad range of luxury customers across product categories, channels and geographies, reinforcing my confidence in the opportunities ahead,” Chief Executive Joshua Schulman said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Although the experiments focused on a single polymer, the researchers believe the same general strategy could be adapted for other materials, including plastics widely used in disposable products.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

The vast sums being forked out to pay for the tickets alone and criticism of Fifa's dynamic pricing strategy, which raises prices when demand is high, have been well-documented.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

Since white always moves first, having that color can provide a player with a distinct advantage in that he can make immediate headway on a preferred strategy.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Ervin Graves should "provide recommendations" on Pakistan's policy and investment engagement strategies, and identify possible investors, it says.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

Diamond Hill is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has about $23 billion in assets under management through several strategies across various funds and individual accounts.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026

“As Freddy’s continues to grow, we remain focused on supporting our franchisees through new restaurant prototypes, greater real estate flexibility, and development strategies that help position the brand for sustainable growth.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

Those who describe their career strategies as "lily padding" are always on the lookout for the next opportunity.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

The intuition underlying moral-uplift strategies is fundamentally sound: our communities will never thrive if we fail to respect ourselves and one another.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

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