strategic

[ struh-tee-jik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of strategy:

   strategic movements.

2. important in or essential to strategy.

   Synonyms: principal, key, crucial, critical, opportune

3. (of an action, as a military operation or a move in a game) forming an integral part of a stratagem:

   a strategic move in a game of chess.

4. Military.
   1. intended to render the enemy incapable of making war, as by the destruction of materials, factories, etc.:

      a strategic bombing mission.

   2. (of a weapon) long range, as an intercontinental ballistic missile: Compare tactical ( def 3 ).

      Strategic nuclear weapons were the linchpin of the Mutual Assured Destruction doctrine at the height of the Cold War.

   3. essential to the conduct of a war:

      Copper is a strategic material.

strategic

/ strəˈtiːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of strategy
2. important to a strategy or to strategy in general
3. (of weapons, attacks, etc) directed against an enemy's homeland rather than used on a battlefield

   a strategic missile

   strategic bombing

Derived Forms

• straˈtegically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• stra·te·gi·cal·ly adverb
• non·stra·te·gic adjective
• non·stra·te·gi·cal adjective
• un·stra·te·gic adjective
• un·stra·te·gi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategic¹

First recorded in 1815–25; from Greek stratēgikós, equivalent to stratēg(ós) “general” ( strategy ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

The report gives a lot of credit to early, strategic targeting of winnable districts, personalized coaching for prospective candidates and the amazing network of organizations that work to elect more women.

From Los Angeles Times

Craig Cooper, strategic director of city operations, said collections would focus first on "the poorest parts" of the city "affected the most" by the ongoing bin strike.

From BBC

"We must strengthen strategic resolve... and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains," he said.

From BBC

According to a ministerial website, the Welsh secretary is responsible for the "overall strategic direction of the UK government in Wales".

From BBC

"He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation's interests."

From BBC

Related Words

• critical
• important
• key
• vital