tactics

[tak-tiks]

noun

1. (usually used with a singular verb),  the art or science of disposing military or naval forces for battle and maneuvering them in battle.

2. (used with a plural verb),  the maneuvers themselves.

3. (used with a singular verb),  any mode of procedure for gaining advantage or success.

4. (usually used with a singular verb)

   1. the patterns in which the elements of a given level or stratum in a language may combine to form larger constructions.

   2. the study and description of such patterns.

tactics

/ ˈtæktɪks /

plural noun

1. (functioning as singular) military the art and science of the detailed direction and control of movement or manoeuvre of forces in battle to achieve an aim or task

2. the manoeuvres used or plans followed to achieve a particular short-term aim

Other Word Forms

• countertactics noun
• tactician noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactics¹

First recorded in 1620–30; tactic, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactics¹

C17: from New Latin tactica, from Greek ta taktika the matters of arrangement, neuter plural of taktikos concerning arrangement or order, from taktos arranged (for battle), from tassein to arrange

Synonym Study

See strategy.

Example Sentences

The tumor uses several tactics to weaken or shut down the immune response.

Read more on Science Daily

Bompastor said the difference was down to her tactics - she had been "too ambitious" last season and modified their set-up as a result on Thursday night, making sure they were less vulnerable out of possession.

Read more on BBC

In 2019, they started a new chain, OneBelow, selling everything for £1 or less - but three years later they had to change tactics.

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Such tactics can be effective for a while, but they tend to breed resentment.

Read more on Salon

Layoff tactics are changing—and their blunders keep coming.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal