What does strategy mean?
A strategy is a carefully chosen plan for achieving a particular goal, especially over an extended period. It involves deciding how to use available people, money, materials, and opportunities in a coordinated way. The word commonly appears in discussions of military affairs, politics, business, education, and personal planning. A strategy is broader than a tactic: the strategy establishes the overall aim and approach, while tactics concern the specific moves made to put that approach into practice. For example, a company might have a long-term strategy of entering smaller regional markets, while its tactics might include opening local offices, hiring regional staff, and adjusting prices. The term is also used figuratively to describe the general method or logic behind someone's actions. Although strategy can sound formal or managerial, it is widely understood and carries no strongly negative connotation.
nounA plan or method designed to achieve a long-term aim, especially through the coordinated use of resources and actions. In military and business contexts, it may also refer to the overarching approach by which objectives are pursued.
- A plan or method for achieving an objective over time.
- The coordinated deployment of resources and actions to secure an advantage, especially in military, political, or business contexts.
"The company adopted a flexible strategy for expanding into new markets."
"The new strategy prioritizes customer retention over rapid expansion."
"Their military strategy focused on controlling key routes through the region."
The usual plural is formed by adding -ies to strategy.
"The leaders debated several strategies for dealing with the crisis."
A strategy is a plan for winning before the contest even begins.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strategy come from?
Strategy comes through Latin from Greek strategia, a word associated with strategos, meaning a general or commander responsible for leading an army. The Greek term developed from stratos, meaning army, and the root of agein, meaning to lead. English borrowed the word in the 17th century in political and military writing. Its relatives include the adjective strategic, the noun stratagem, and the noun strategist, all of which share the same underlying idea of organized leadership and planning.
Related word forms
How strategy is actually used
The word is formal and common in business, politics, education, and military contexts. It usually describes a considered, broad approach rather than an individual action; in sports and games, it can refer to the arrangement of play and resources.
Easily confused with strategy
A strategy is a broad, long-term plan for achieving an aim, whereas tactics are the specific actions used to carry it out.