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.

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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

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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

Losing Silva could be Guardiola's 'toughest tactical challenge'

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

For years she’s been labeled by critics as a better motivator than a tactical strategist you count in crunch time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

These solutions were often tactical workarounds designed to patch critical issues in an improvised way.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

The division recently took over management of tactical drones developed by the European aerospace firm.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Point 17K states you must make the energetic particle radiation density buffer bypass the aft tactical resonance coil,” Klawde said.

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

Related Words

• diplomatic