Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Crucial to overall planning or long-term success: Refers to something that is of high importance within a broader plan or strategy, often determining its ultimate outcome.
   • Relating to the science or art of strategy: Pertaining to the planning and directing of large-scale operations, especially in military, political, or business contexts.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective describing importance:
  • The company made a strategic decision to invest in renewable energy.
  • Holding the bridge was of strategic value to the army.
• As an adjective relating to strategy:
  • He is responsible for the strategic planning of the campaign.
  • The general discussed strategic objectives with his staff.

Advanced Usage

• "Strategic alliance": A partnership formed between organizations to achieve mutually beneficial strategic goals.
  • The two tech giants formed a strategic alliance to develop new AI technology.
• "Strategic reserve": Resources held back for use at a critical time in a plan.
  • The country maintains a strategic reserve of oil for emergencies.

Variants and Related Words

• Strategically (adverb): In a way that relates to or is important for strategy.
  • The troops were positioned strategically on the high ground.
• Strategist (noun): A person skilled in planning action or policy, especially in war, politics, or business.
  • She is a brilliant political strategist.

Synonyms

• Critical: Of decisive importance.
• Crucial: Of great importance.
• Tactical: Relating to short-term actions to achieve a goal (often contrasted with the long-term focus of "strategic").

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Strategic retreat: A withdrawal from a position undertaken to gain a future advantage, not due to defeat.
  • The company's exit from the saturated market was a strategic retreat.
• Strategic asset: A resource that provides a significant long-term competitive advantage.
  • Their patent portfolio is a key strategic asset.

Adjective

1. highly important to or an integral part of a strategy or plan of action especially in war
   • a strategic chess move
   • strategic withdrawal
   • strategic bombing missions
2. relating to or concerned with strategy
   • strategic weapon
   • the islands are of strategic importance
   • strategic considerations