tactical

[ tak-ti-kuhl ]

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: Compare strategic ( def 4b ).

   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

/ ˈtæktɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or employing tactics

   a tactical error

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

   tactical bombing

   a tactical missile

3. skilful or diplomatic

   a tactical manoeuvre

Derived Forms

• ˈtactically, adverb

Other Words From

• tac·ti·cal·ly adverb
• non·tac·ti·cal adjective
• non·tac·ti·cal·ly adverb
• un·tac·ti·cal adjective
• un·tac·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactical¹

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

Example Sentences

Butler said being a senator felt much like being an organizer — it was about forming tactical and strategic relationships, and finding common ground.

From Los Angeles Times

"The Russian forces are highly likely to continue to attempt to stretch Ukrainian forces by using mass to overwhelm defensive positions and achieve tactical gains," one said.

From BBC

But Ukraine’s nuclear arsenal included a variety of tactical weapons, with ranges between 100 and 1,000km.

From BBC

But I also hope, as Democrats look to redefine themselves to voters, that we don’t limit ourselves to tactical adjustments or repackaging old ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said "wild threats of tactical nuclear use" by Russia and China, Iran's failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea's "erratic behaviour" were among the threats facing the West.

From BBC

Related Words

• diplomatic