strategic

adjective

stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or marked by strategy

a strategic retreat

2

a

: necessary to or important in the initiation, conduct, or completion of a strategic plan

b

: required for the conduct of war and not available in adequate quantities domestically

strategic materials

c

: of great importance within an integrated whole or to a planned effect

emphasized strategic points

3

: designed or trained to strike an enemy at the sources of its military, economic, or political power

a strategic bomber

strategical

strə-ˈtē-ji-kəl 

adjective

strategically

strə-ˈtē-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of strategic in a Sentence

The bridges have great strategic value.

The hill is located at a strategic position.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Ukraine waited, its troops were forced to withdraw from Avdiivka, a strategic town in the east that Ukrainian forces had defended from Russian occupation for a decade. —Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 21 Apr. 2024

Being fortunate to be located in such a strategic region, Michael and his team, which includes head winemaker Jeremiah Timm, combine the excellent fruits of nature with the finest winemaking techniques to create two signature product lines: CIRQ and CHEV. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

strategic

adjective

stra·​te·​gic strə-ˈtē-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or showing strategy

strategic value of the position

a strategic retreat

2

a

: required for the conduct of war

strategic supplies

b

: of great importance within a whole or for a planned purpose

mentioned strategic points

3

: designed or trained to strike at what makes an enemy powerful

strategic bomber

strategical

-ji-kəl 

adjective

strategically

-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb