ˈtaktə̇kəl, -aktēk- adjective
Etymology: Greek taktikos + English -al
1. : of or relating to military tactics (as of air, sea, or ground forces): as
a. : involving actions or means (as equipment or plans) that are distinguished from those of strategy by being of less importance to the outcome of a war or of less magnitude or by taking place or going into effect at a shorter distance from a base of operations
b. of an air force
(1) : designed for use in the battle area including air-to-air and air-to-surface action
(2) : of or relating to air attack on the enemy in the battle line in support of friendly ground forces
c. : of or relating to combat functions or units as distinguished from those concerned with support or administration
d. : of or relating to the activities concerned with military drill as distinguished from the technical activities on a training base
2.
a. : of or relating to tactics generally : designed to achieve a given purpose
made a tactical error
regard such negotiations as tactical maneuvers — R.H.S.Crossman
as
(1) : of or relating to the planning or execution of small-scale actions as part of a larger purpose
the big gains … count, not the little tactical advances — Nation's Business
played excellent tactical tennis
(2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view : designed to gain a temporary advantage : short-range , opportunistic
tactical decisions
think … they are merely forming a tactical alliance — Edmond Taylor
tactical , makeshift policies — Joel Carmichael
(3) : designed as a necessary or prudent temporary adjustment to unfavorable conditions : expedient
has only made a tactical withdrawal, not given up — Claire Sterling
b. : marked by skill in tactics : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose : politic
a tactical statesman
their tactical treatment of American politics — D.W.Brogan
3. : of or relating to tactics, tagmemes, or taxemes in linguistics