Strategic vs. Strategical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
"Strategic" and "Strategical" essentially mean the same, relating to strategy, but "strategic" is more common and preferred in modern usage.
Difference Between Strategic and Strategical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Strategic" is a commonly used adjective that refers to matters related to strategy or crucial planning, especially in military, business, or political contexts. It implies a high level of importance and is often used to describe decisions, locations, or actions that are vital to success. For example, a company may have a strategic plan to increase market share.
On the other hand, "strategical" is a less common variant of "strategic." It carries the same meaning, pertaining to strategy or important planning. While it’s grammatically correct, "strategical" is less frequently used in contemporary language. In historical texts, you might find "strategical" used more often to describe matters of strategy.
In daily language, "strategic" is preferred due to its brevity and familiarity. This word is more likely to be used in professional and academic contexts. For instance, governments often talk about "strategic" objectives when discussing national security.
Conversely, "strategical" might be encountered in more archaic or formal contexts. It's not incorrect to use "strategical," but it may sound slightly outdated or overly formal in everyday conversation. Some might choose "strategical" for stylistic reasons, especially in writing that aims to evoke a classical tone.
Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
More commonly used
Less commonly used
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Length
Shorter, more concise
Slightly longer
Modern Preference
Preferred in contemporary language
Less preferred, sounds more formal or outdated
Context
Used in various contexts including business, military, and politics
Also used in similar contexts but less frequently
Historical Usage
Consistently popular
More common in older texts
Compare with Definitions
Strategic
Related to military operations
The island holds a strategic position for naval defense.
Strategical
Concerning the art of planning and directing operations
The general's strategical expertise was renowned.
Strategic
Pertaining to high-level planning
The CEO outlined the company's strategic goals for the next five years.
Strategical
Essential in achieving a plan
The alliance was a strategical move for the company.
Strategic
Designed for long-term objectives
Our strategic investments focus on sustainable energy.
Strategical
Employing tactics to reach a long-term aim
Her strategical thinking helped her win the chess tournament.
Strategic
Of or relating to strategy.
Strategical
Relating to military or diplomatic strategy
The fortress had a key strategical importance.
Strategic
Involving careful planning to achieve a goal
Their strategic marketing campaign boosted sales significantly.
Strategical
Involving the careful management of resources
Their strategical approach to budgeting minimized expenses.
Strategic
Important or essential in relation to a plan of action
A strategic withdrawal.
Strategical
Of or relating to strategy.
Strategic
Essential to the effective conduct of war
Strategic materials.
Strategical
Important or essential in relation to a plan of action
A strategic withdrawal.
Strategic
Highly important to an intended objective
The staff discussed strategic marketing factors.
Strategical
Essential to the effective conduct of war
Strategic materials.
Strategic
Intended to destroy the military potential of an enemy
Strategic bombing.
Strategical
Highly important to an intended objective
The staff discussed strategic marketing factors.
Strategic
Of or pertaining to strategy.
Strategical
Intended to destroy the military potential of an enemy
Strategic bombing.
Strategic
Of or relating to military operations that are more large-scale or long-range than local or tactical ones.
A strategic nuclear weapon
Strategical
(rare) Strategic.
Strategic
Of or pertaining to strategy; effected by artifice.
Strategical
Relating to or concerned with strategy;
Strategic weapon
The islands are of strategic importance
Strategic considerations
Strategic
Relating to or concerned with strategy;
Strategic weapon
The islands are of strategic importance
Strategic considerations
Strategic
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
Strategic
Crucial for success
Securing this contract is strategic for our growth.
Common Curiosities
Can "strategical" be used in modern language?
Yes, but it’s less common and might sound formal or outdated.
Is "strategic" suitable for business contexts?
Yes, it's often used in business for planning and crucial decisions.
Is "strategic" used in military contexts?
Yes, it’s frequently used to describe military operations and planning.
Does "strategical" imply long-term planning?
Yes, it relates to long-term or high-level planning.
Does "strategical" have a historical significance?
Yes, it was more commonly used in older texts.
Is "strategic" more common than "strategical"?
Yes, "strategic" is more commonly used.
Which word is preferred in academic writing?
"Strategic" is generally preferred for its conciseness and familiarity.
Does "strategical" relate to managing resources?
Yes, it can refer to the careful management of resources.
Are "strategic" and "strategical" interchangeable?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably as they mean the same.
Is "strategic" used in discussing business growth?
Yes, it’s commonly used in the context of business growth and planning.
Can "strategical" sound overly formal?
Sometimes, especially in casual or contemporary contexts.
Can "strategical" be used in political discussions?
Yes, but "strategic" is more commonly used.
Is "strategic" a shorter word than "strategical"?
Yes, "strategic" is shorter and more concise.
Is "strategic" suitable for describing crucial actions?
Yes, it’s often used to describe vital or crucial actions.
Can "strategical" be used in everyday conversation?
Yes, but it might sound more formal than "strategic."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
