tactic

American  

[tak-tik] / ˈtæk tɪk /

noun

1. tactics.

2. a system or a detail of tactics.

3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

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adjective

1. of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

-tactic ¹ British  

combining form

1. having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

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tactic ² British  

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

1. a piece of tactics; tactical move See also tactics

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Other Word Forms

• nontactic noun

Etymology

Origin of tactic

First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

This contrarian rebalancing tactic of selling top performers to pay for new bets adds “modest value over the long run,” writes Trivariate Research President Adam Parker.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

“Maybe it’s a TACO, maybe it’s a negotiating tactic, or maybe it’s a ruse. No one knows for sure, maybe not even Trump himself,” Elliott said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

"One tactic is using suction traps that rely on steady cues, such as continuous CO2 release or constant light sources, to attract mosquitoes," Zuo said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

This has included moving to a two-man attack, a tactic Guardiola almost never used in his first 10 years at City but has deployed as the starting formation in nine of their past 11 games.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Instead, both Odile and Francis thought the best tactic for getting a foot in the door was to commence French lessons with Pop, whose deceased husband had been the Professor of French before the war.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Related Words

• ploy