strategic
adjective /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/
/strəˈtiːdʒɪk/
(also less frequent strategical
[usually before noun] /strəˈtiːdʒɪkl/
/strəˈtiːdʒɪkl/
)- done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a particular purpose or to gain an advantage
- strategic planning
- a strategic decision to sell off part of the business
- Cameras were set up at strategic points (= in places where they would be most effective) along the route.
- connected with getting an advantage in a war or other military situation
- Malta was of vital strategic importance during the war.
- a strategic alliance
- the strategic bombing of communication centres
- (of weapons, especially nuclear weapons) intended to be fired at an enemy’s country rather than used in a battle
- strategic missiles
Word Originearly 19th cent.: from French stratégique, from Greek stratēgikos, from stratēgos, from stratos ‘army’ + agein ‘to lead’.