tactical

American  

[tak-ti-kuhl] / ˈtæk tɪ kəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to tactics, especially the placement of military or naval forces in battle or at the front line of a battle.

2. characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure, especially of military or naval forces.

   tactical movements.

3. (of a weapon) short range, as battlefield missiles.

   A tactical nuclear weapon would still present significant risks to battlefield troops on both sides of the conflict.

4. of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.

5. expedient; calculated.

6. prudent; politic.

---

tactical British  

/ ˈtæktɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or employing tactics

   a tactical error

2. (of weapons, attacks, etc) used in or supporting limited military operations

   a tactical missile

   tactical bombing

3. skilful or diplomatic

   a tactical manoeuvre

---

Other Word Forms

• nontactical adjective
• nontactically adverb
• tactically adverb
• untactical adjective
• untactically adverb

Etymology

Origin of tactical

First recorded in 1560–70; tactic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Whether tactical victories accumulate into strategic success or merely postpone strategic reckoning, we cannot yet know.

From MarketWatch

Amorim arrived at United with a clear tactical vision, favouring the 3-4-3 formation that had brought him success at Sporting, but United struggled to adapt.

From BBC

Yes, United are sixth - in line with pre-season expectations - but they have a squad many believe could, with a few simple tactical tweaks, deliver much better results.

From BBC

Once Rangers made it 2-1, Celtic had nothing left, only more indecision, more doubt and more tactical switches that defied logic.

From BBC

Stokes has also had a mixed tour as skipper, lacking his trademark tactical verve.

From BBC

Related Words

• diplomatic