C1 noun Neutral

strategy

/ˈstræt.ə.dʒi/

A comprehensive, long-term plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal or set of objectives. It involves the systematic coordination of resources and tactical decisions to gain a competitive advantage or overcome a challenge.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I developed a strategy to save money by cooking at home more often.

I created a specific plan to reduce my spending by preparing meals myself.

2

The committee is tasked with formulating a strategy for sustainable urban development.

The group is responsible for creating a high-level plan for eco-friendly city growth.

3

What's your strategy for getting through this massive pile of laundry?

How do you plan to handle all these clothes that need washing?

Word Family

Noun
strategy
Verb
strategize
Adverb
strategically
Adjective
strategic
Related
strategist
💡

Memory Tip

The word comes from the Greek 'strategos', meaning 'general'. Imagine a general standing on a hill, looking at the whole battlefield to plan the war, not just one small fight.

Quick Quiz

The company's _____ to increase market share involved lowering prices and increasing social media presence.

Correct!

The correct answer is: strategy

Examples

1

I developed a strategy to save money by cooking at home more often.

everyday

I created a specific plan to reduce my spending by preparing meals myself.

2

The committee is tasked with formulating a strategy for sustainable urban development.

formal

The group is responsible for creating a high-level plan for eco-friendly city growth.

3

What's your strategy for getting through this massive pile of laundry?

informal

How do you plan to handle all these clothes that need washing?

4

The study explores the cognitive strategy used by bilingual children during translation tasks.

academic

The research examines the mental methods children use when switching between languages.

5

Our marketing strategy focuses on digital engagement to capture the younger demographic.

business

The company's advertising plan prioritizes social media to attract young customers.

Word Family

Noun
strategy
Verb
strategize
Adverb
strategically
Adjective
strategic
Related
strategist

Common Collocations

implement a strategy to put a plan into action
exit strategy a plan for how to end a situation or investment
comprehensive strategy a thorough and complete plan
marketing strategy a business's plan for reaching prospective consumers
long-term strategy a plan designed to achieve goals over several years

Common Phrases

winning strategy

a plan that is likely to result in success

grand strategy

a broad, overarching plan for a nation or large organization

growth strategy

a plan specifically focused on expanding a business

Often Confused With

strategy vs tactic

A strategy is the overall long-term plan, whereas a tactic is a specific, short-term action taken to support that strategy.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'strategy' is used across many fields, from gaming to global politics, and implies a level of foresight and deliberate planning. It is often used with 'for' (strategy for growth) or 'to' (strategy to reduce costs).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'strategy' when they mean a single action. Remember that a strategy is usually a collection of many actions working together.

💡

Memory Tip

The word comes from the Greek 'strategos', meaning 'general'. Imagine a general standing on a hill, looking at the whole battlefield to plan the war, not just one small fight.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'strategia', meaning the office or command of a general (stratos 'army' + agein 'to lead').

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun; plural: strategies Often followed by 'for' + -ing Can be followed by an infinitive (to + verb)
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western business culture, 'strategy' is a highly valued buzzword, often used to distinguish high-level management from operational staff.

Quick Quiz

The company's _____ to increase market share involved lowering prices and increasing social media presence.

Correct!

The correct answer is: strategy

Related Phrases

Related Words

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free