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• tactic
  tactic

  noun

  tactics.
• -tactic
  -tactic

  combining form

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

tactic

American  

[tak-tik] / ˈtæk tɪk /

noun

tactics plural

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

Derived Forms

• nontactic
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tactics
  plural

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

Explanation

Tactic is another word for a maneuver or method. If begging doesn't convince your parents to raise your allowance, you might want to try a different tactic—like doing all your chores without being asked. English-speakers have been talking about tactics since at least 1640, when this word was first recorded. A tactic is just a way to do something, a plan, or an approach. Generals have to have a good grasp on military tactics to win a battle; football teams have to use strong defensive tactics to keep the other guys from scoring. One time-tested tactic for winning over a teacher? Always turn your homework in on time!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tactic tactics

But instead, while some players recognised it as the team simply resorting to clearing their lines and regrouping their shape in defence – it was a tactic some didn't agree with.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

Some industry analysts have suggested that Volkswagen had deliberately publicised the number of 100,000 as a negotiating tactic, and that the final figure of cuts is likely to be lower.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

During a little-noticed Supreme Court argument in March, one lawyer confessed to an unusual tactic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

The problem is this tactic leaves somebody one against one with Haaland down the middle of the pitch, in space.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

If a particular method or tactic enabled us to defeat the enemy, then it should be used.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Before raw quality or star names are considered, Tuchel had in mind the type of team he wanted to see, leaning on specific tactics and the aforementioned "repetition of patterns".

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

The “Dirty Grandpa” star, who is currently expecting her first child with partner Chris Abbott—then made the decision to change tactics.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026

Other uses included using AI to study battlefield tactics that could lead to reduced casualties, an ex-ISWAP militant said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

And Ukrainian units have developed new tactics that combine infantry and drones to conduct counterattacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

Sometimes this means all-night sessions, so that the player has a variety of tactics to employ when play is resumed the next day.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• ploy