What does strategic mean?
Strategic describes an approach that is carefully planned to achieve an important long-term goal. It applies especially to decisions, planning, priorities, resources, and relationships in business, government, education, and other organized activities. A strategic choice considers how present actions affect future possibilities and seeks an advantage that may emerge over time rather than only an immediate gain. The word can also identify something that is important within a wider plan, as in a strategic priority or a region of strategic importance. In contrast to tactical, which concerns the particular methods used in carrying out a plan, strategic focuses on the overall direction and aims. Because it suggests foresight and deliberate organization, the term often carries a formal, professional tone and is sometimes used in a looser sense to mean simply important or advantageous.
adjectiveRelating to or involving a carefully planned approach intended to achieve a long-term goal or advantage. Strategic decisions consider overall objectives, resources, and future consequences rather than only immediate results.
- Involving or designed to achieve a long-term goal or advantage through careful planning.
- Relating to the overall direction and organization of a business, institution, campaign, or other undertaking.
- Important because of its effect on long-term objectives or overall strategy.
"The company adopted a strategic plan to expand into new markets over the next five years."
"The alliance gave the company a strategic advantage in the rapidly growing market."
"Funding for basic research became a strategic priority during the budget negotiations."
Strategy is the art of choosing where to compete—and, just as importantly, where not to.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strategic come from?
The adjective derives from the Greek strategia, meaning the art of organizing and leading an army, which in turn comes from strategos, a general or commander. The Latin strategia and later English strategy carried the sense of skill in planning and managing affairs. The modern adjective strategic developed in the 19th century, initially in contexts involving military planning and later in business and other strategic decision-making.
Related word forms
How strategic is actually used
The adjective is common in formal and professional contexts, especially in business, politics, education, and military planning. It emphasizes long-term aims and considered positioning; it is sometimes used more broadly to mean important or strategically useful.
Easily confused with strategic
Strategic describes long-term goals and broad approaches, whereas tactical refers to specific actions and methods used to achieve them.