campaign
noun (countable)
UK/kæmˈpeɪn/US/kæmˈpeɪn/
An organized course of action to achieve a particular goal, typically in politics, advertising, or marketing.
Example Sentences
The political party launched a new campaign to garner support for the upcoming elections.
She organized a fundraising campaign to help rebuild the community center after the fire.
The company’s marketing campaign significantly increased its brand awareness and sales.
They initiated a social media campaign to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste.
During the election season, candidates often engage in extensive campaigning to win voters' trust.
The charity’s campaign successfully raised enough funds to provide clean water to thousands of people in need.
The environmental organization launched a global campaign to combat climate change and protect natural habitats.
To address the issue of homelessness, the city council developed a comprehensive campaign focused on affordable housing and support services.
Thesaurus
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verb (transitive)
UK/kæmˈpeɪn/US/kæmˈpeɪn/
To organize and carry out a campaign.
Example Sentences
The non-profit organization decided to campaign for better education policies by organizing rallies and meetings with lawmakers.
They are campaigning to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to provide resources for those in need.
The candidate began to campaign vigorously across the state, visiting towns and speaking at public events.
To secure more supporters, the group launched a comprehensive campaign using both online and offline strategies.
He decided to campaign for the local school board, focusing on improving educational standards and facilities.
The activists campaigned tirelessly to protect the endangered species, holding protests and lobbying government officials.
She campaigned for a change in the company’s hiring practices to promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
They will campaign for environmental reforms in the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy solutions.
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How to Use
An organized effort to reach a specific goal or cause.You can use this word in many contexts where a series of planned actions aims to achieve a particular goal. In politics, a candidate may launch a fundraising ______ to garner support from voters. In marketing, a company might roll out an advertising ______ to promote a new product, creating targeted messages across various channels. In social activism, individuals or groups may initiate a ______ to drive awareness, petition governments, or gather resources to address an issue. To use it effectively in speech or writing, first clarify the main objective. For instance, if it’s a political ______, define whether it’s about winning an election or changing public policy. If it’s a marketing ______, highlight what the company hopes to accomplish—boosting sales, strengthening brand image, or increasing customer engagement. In formal texts, you can mention the strategic planning phase, the methods of engagement (such as rallies, advertisements, or online outreach), and the desired impact. In more casual contexts, you might simply say something like, “Our volunteer group will ______ for cleaner local parks,” signaling a series of connected efforts. In academic or business writing, provide clear data points, time frames, and specific goals to showcase the structure behind the ______. Whatever setting you’re in, using this word underscores that purposeful, organized action is underway—rather than random attempts—making it a valuable term whenever you need to communicate targeted, goal-oriented effort.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, you might use words like “initiative,” “drive,” or “movement” in place of this term. “Initiative” emphasizes a beginning or spark of effort, suitable for contexts where you’re highlighting new projects or strategies. “Drive” carries a sense of motivation and energy, often used informally to indicate vigor behind a set of actions. “Movement” may work better for large-scale social or political efforts that engage wide groups of people over a sustained period. “Push” or “effort” could be used if you’re underscoring collective determination without necessarily implying complex organization. Meanwhile, “operation” hints at something methodical or militaristic, while “crusade” can carry strong moral or passionate connotations. When choosing among these alternatives, consider whether you need a term that conveys structure and planning (as in “operation” or “initiative”) or one that emphasizes enthusiasm and fervor (as in “drive” or “crusade”). The right choice depends on your desired tone, the scope of the undertaking, and the emotional weight you wish to convey. In professional writing, phrases like “strategic initiative” or “coordinated drive” can also bring clarity, suggesting a deliberate plan with specific steps. Always gauge the formality of the setting and the intensity of the cause to select the best fit.
Writing
When incorporating this term into your writing, clarity is paramount. First, specify what the effort targets—whether it’s a political seat, a public health challenge, or a product launch. Then outline the steps or tactics that define the ______: for instance, speeches, door-to-door engagement, social media outreach, or print advertising. Elucidate any critical milestones, such as fundraising targets or project deadlines, to help readers visualize how progress is measured. Emphasize the roles played by individuals or teams, illustrating leadership structures or volunteer support. If you’re writing about real-world ______s, cite concrete data—like polls, budget allocations, or success metrics—and compare these results to initial objectives. Balance factual detail with storytelling if you want to keep readers engaged; you might highlight an inspirational moment when volunteers rallied, or a pivotal turning point where media coverage shifted public perception. Keep in mind that the word suggests intentional, sustained action, so avoid using it for one-off events. Lastly, be mindful of audience expectations: in formal documents or journalistic pieces, maintain an objective tone and use verifiable statistics; in more creative or narrative work, reflect on motivations, challenges, and personal stories that showcase the human element behind the ______. By structuring your discussion around purpose, strategy, and outcome, you offer a compelling portrayal of the coordinated efforts involved.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might use this word to describe organized efforts of various sizes. For example, if your group of friends is raising money for a local charity, you could say, “We’re starting a small ______ to gather donations for the shelter.” This indicates that you’re doing more than just asking around randomly; you have a purposeful plan. You could also mention it when discussing social or political issues: “I heard they launched a ______ to improve road safety in our town.” While the term is often used in political or corporate contexts, there’s no reason not to use it for smaller-scale personal or community undertakings. If you’re making a series of posts on social media to promote your art or business, you might call that your “social media ______.” In casual dialogue, the emphasis is on a sense of intention rather than formal structure. Still, be careful not to overuse the word for trivial tasks—“______ to find my lost keys” might sound a bit overblown. Reserve it for scenarios where you truly mean a focused, somewhat coordinated set of actions, and you’ll convey a sense of determination and collaboration without sounding too formal or dramatic.
Etymology
The term comes from the French “campagne,” originally meaning “open country” or “field.” Derived from Late Latin “campania,” related to Latin “campus” (field), it historically referred to military operations conducted out in the field. Over time, its usage broadened from a purely military sense to encompass any organized effort or operation aimed at achieving a defined objective. In the early modern period, governments and leaders would conduct military ______s during a specific season, often when weather conditions were optimal for travel and battle, marking clear beginnings and ends to these operations. As language and society evolved, the concept began to be applied beyond warfare: political ______s emerged to sway public opinion or win elections, and commercial or advertising ______s followed to influence consumer habits. Today, the word spans nearly every field—from environmental activism and fundraising to corporate marketing—yet still retains its original connotation of coordinated action. This rich history underscores the term’s adaptability over centuries: initially rooted in literal fields of battle, it now describes plans and organized efforts in any arena, whether physical or virtual.
