tactical victory

Battle won, costly

A tactical victory is a win in an immediate engagement that doesn't necessarily advance larger strategic goals.

Military usage distinguishes between winning a battle (tactical) and winning a war (strategic).

The term often carries implicit criticism—suggesting someone won the fight but may lose what matters: It was a tactical victory at best; we alienated everyone who watched.

Related
  • ambushSurprise strike from concealment
  • coverProtect by overlaying
  • chargeCost or accusation
  • skirmishBrief, limited combat
  • clashViolent disagreement or collision

artillery · momentum · strategic advantage · short-term gain · disruption · psychological impact · logistics · containment · encirclement · enemy lines · ground troops · intelligence · fog of war · reconnaissance · infantry · maneuver · cavalry · boots on the ground

Categories
Opposites
outcome

tactical victoryrout

Overwhelming one-sided victory

scope and significance

tactical victorystrategic victory

Planned, deliberate win

decisive victory · total victory · ultimate victory

pyrrhic nature

tactical victoryPyrrhic victory

Success with crippling cost

hollow victory · net loss

Family

tactical, victory, tactic, tactics, tactician, tactically, victor, victors, victories

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Rated PG