What does wargaming mean?
Wargaming is the practice of simulating conflict or competition so that plans, decisions, and assumptions can be examined before action is taken. In a military context, it may involve map exercises, computer models, or tabletop scenarios designed to train personnel, test operational plans, or anticipate an opponent's response. Modern organizations also use the term when applying adversarial thinking to security threats, negotiations, hostile takeovers, and other high-risk situations. The word usually carries a technical or strategic connotation, but in general discussion it can suggest disciplined analysis presented in a playful form. Wargaming is not simply a generic game: it normally involves assumptions, opposing courses of action, incomplete information, and the systematic comparison of possible outcomes. Its usefulness lies in making assumptions and vulnerabilities visible while the consequences remain hypothetical.
The activity of simulating armed conflict, especially to train personnel, test plans, or study strategic decisions; also, the broader use of such simulations to examine competitive or adversarial situations.
"The exercise began with a day of wargaming focused on regional contingencies."
Often used as an uncountable noun for the practice, though “wargames” may refer to individual exercises or scenarios.
To simulate armed conflict or an adversarial situation in order to train, test plans, assess risks, or explore possible outcomes.
"Defense analysts wargamed several scenarios before the live exercise began."
Common in professional defense, security, and business contexts; it is often more technical than the phrase “pretend to fight.”
The plural may refer to multiple exercises or simulations and is also the third-person singular present form of the verb.
"Intelligence teams conduct wargames before major operations."
Wargaming lets decision-makers rehearse dangerous scenarios before real people bear the consequences.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wargaming
The word combines English “war,” from Old English wræþ, with “game,” from Old English gām, meaning sport or amusement. “Wargame” was established as a term for a military exercise or contest designed to test strategy and decision-making, and “wargaming” came to denote that activity as a whole. The closed form is now widely used, although “war gaming” also remains common in some defense writing.
Related word forms
How wargaming is actually used
This is standard specialist terminology in defense, government, security, and business strategy. The closed form “wargaming” is now widely used, although “war gaming” also appears, especially in military writing.
Easily confused with wargaming
A wargame is an individual exercise or scenario, whereas wargaming refers to the broader activity of conducting such simulations.