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

Alcaraz shares plenty of the same attributes -- daring, range, tactical flexibility, and style.

From Barron's

We like gold as a tactical play with idiosyncratic drivers but don’t see it as a long-term portfolio hedge.”

From MarketWatch

Those include short-range tactical nuclear weapons that aren’t covered by any treaty.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Wednesday, agents wearing tactical vests and jackets reading “FBI Evidence Response Team” arrived with a warrant.

From Salon

Work starts around sunrise for many of the federal officers carrying out the immigration crackdown in and around the Twin Cities, with people in tactical gear streaming from a bland office building.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diplomatic