strategy

[ strat-i-jee ]

noun

, plural strat·e·gies.

1. Also the science or art of combining and employing the means of war in planning and directing large military movements and operations.
2. the use or an instance of using this science or art.
3. skillful use of a stratagem:

   The salesperson's strategy was to seem always to agree with the customer.

4. a plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or result:

   a strategy for getting ahead in the world.

strategy

/ ˈstrætɪdʒɪ /

noun

1. the art or science of the planning and conduct of a war; generalship
2. a particular long-term plan for success, esp in business or politics Compare tactics
3. a plan or stratagem

Other Words From

• counter·strate·gy noun plural counterstrategies

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategy¹

First recorded in 1680–90; from Greek stratēgía “generalship,” equivalent to stratēg(os) “military commander, general” ( strat(ós) “army” + -ēgos, noun derivative of ágein “to lead”) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of strategy¹

C17: from French stratégie, from Greek stratēgia function of a general; see stratagem

Synonym Study

In military usage, a distinction is made between strategy and tactics. Strategy is the utilization, during both peace and war, of all of a nation's forces, through large-scale, long-range planning and development, to ensure security or victory. Tactics deals with the use and deployment of troops in actual combat.

Example Sentences

"Now we can co-opt this same strategy to advance our efforts to build synthetic multicellular structures -- and eventually tissues and organs -- for regenerative medicine."

From Science Daily

So what makes Labour think it will fare differently, and that its police-first strategy will work?

From BBC

Among its strategies to combat homelessness, the city has used state and federal funds to buy up motels and convert them into affordable housing.

From Los Angeles Times

Equipped with this new genetic information, scientists, the Colombian government, and local communities can work together to develop better protection strategies.

From Science Daily

Beyond individual treatment, these insights could reshape public health strategies.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• action
• approach
• blueprint
• design
• game plan
• method
• plan
• planning
• policy
• procedure
• program
• project
• scenario
• scheme
• system

More About Strategy

What is strategy?

A strategy is a plan or method put in place to achieve a goal or result, as in Blanca’s strategy for passing the test was to study every night until test day.

Strategy can refer to the use of tactics in the planning of military operations, usually to succeed in a battle or war. In a military context, a strategy can refer to an overall plan, a specific or broad goal, or the execution of said plan or goal.

Strategy can also refer to the use of a strategy to meet a goal, as in The only way to win a war is with a solid strategy.

Example: Their strategy was to distract the enemy and then sneak in from behind.

Where does strategy come from?

The first records of the term strategy come from the 1680s. It comes from the Greek stratēgía, meaning “military commander.”

A distinction is made between strategy and tactics in military usage.  A strategy is the long-term plan for using one’s military forces to win peace or maintain security, while tactics are the specific movement of troops and resources during a battle.

Business is another area in which strategy is commonly used. A company will have an overall strategy for growing sales and profits. Meanwhile, the different divisions within the company will have their own strategies for reaching their goals, which help the whole company reach its goals.

Anyone can create a strategy, however. When you create a strategy, you’re creating a plan for how to achieve a goal, including the steps and the resources you’ll need. For example, you might create a strategy to learn more about words by continuing to read word-related articles like this one!

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to strategy?

• counterstrategy (noun)
• strategize (verb)
• strategist (noun)

What are some synonyms for strategy?

• action
• design
• plan
• procedure
• scheme

What are some words that share a root or word element with strategy? 

• stratagem
• strategic
• strategist

What are some words that often get used in discussing strategy?

• battle
• game
• goal
• war

What are some words strategy may be commonly confused with?

• stratagem

How is strategy used in real life?

Strategy is frequently used in the context of business, government, or public relations, but it’s also used in more casual conversations.

i had a long talk. with my fren. about how to spot. a fake ball throw. the optimal strategy. is to follow the ball. with your eyes. instead of your heart

— Thoughts of Dog® (@dog_feelings) January 27, 2018

Never sacrifice physical health in the pursuit of money. Figure out a strategy to raise both simultaneously. It’s tricky but doable.

— Tai Lopez (@tailopez) October 30, 2018

Awful end game strategy by Steelers. Should have kicked deep and used timeouts poorly. Amazes me coaches are this dumb strategically.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 14, 2018

 

Try using strategy!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for strategy?

A. plan
B. scheme
C. improvisation
D. design