masterstroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Informal
Quick answer
What does “masterstroke” mean?
A highly skilled and effective action that achieves exactly what was intended, especially in a difficult situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly skilled and effective action that achieves exactly what was intended, especially in a difficult situation.
A brilliantly successful and often unexpected move or decision that completely solves a problem or achieves a major advantage. It implies not just success, but a level of ingenuity, foresight, or tactical brilliance that is admired.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling is identical. Slight preference in British English for describing political or sporting manoeuvres.
Connotations
Equally positive in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, but commonly understood and used in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “masterstroke” in a Sentence
[Subject] + pull off/execute/perform + a masterstroke[Action/Decision] + prove to be + a masterstrokea masterstroke + of + genius/diplomacy/timingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masterstroke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Masterstroke' is not used as a verb.
American English
- 'Masterstroke' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- 'Masterstroke' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Masterstroke' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- 'Masterstroke' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- 'Masterstroke' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing a deal, acquisition, or marketing campaign that transforms a company's fortunes.
Academic
Rare; might be used metaphorically to describe a theoretical breakthrough or a clever methodological approach.
Everyday
Used to describe a clever personal decision (e.g., planning a surprise) or in discussions of sports, politics, or games.
Technical
Not applicable in hard sciences. Used in contexts like chess, military strategy, or game theory.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masterstroke”
- Using it for minor successes (too strong). Spelling as two words: 'master stroke'. Confusing with 'masterpiece' (which is usually a created object, not an action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'masterstroke'. The hyphenated form 'master-stroke' is archaic.
Almost never. It is a term of praise for a successful and clever action. A cunning but evil plan would more likely be called a 'coup' or 'stroke', but not a 'masterstroke'.
A 'masterstroke' implies deliberate skill, planning, and brilliance. A 'lucky break' is primarily about chance and good fortune, not skill.
It is not an everyday high-frequency word. It is more common in written analysis, journalism (especially politics/sports/business), and formal praise, but can be used in conversation for emphasis.
A highly skilled and effective action that achieves exactly what was intended, especially in a difficult situation.
Masterstroke is usually formal/informal in register.
Masterstroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːstəstrəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstərstroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A stroke of genius”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a chess MASTER making one final winning STROKE with their piece. One masterful stroke wins the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRATEGY/SUCCESS IS A WORK OF ART (a 'stroke' like a painter's brushstroke). COMPLEX PROBLEMS ARE GAMES (a 'stroke' like a move in a game).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'masterstroke' be LEAST appropriate?