ploy

Vocabulary Word

Definition

A 'ploy' is a strategy or tactic used to gain an advantage, usually by unfair means. Like when a company offers a crazy low price just to lure a customer away from their competitors. It's a business trick, you could say.

Examples in Different Contexts

In cybersecurity, a 'ploy' might refer to a deceptive tactic by hackers. A security analyst could warn, 'This email seems like a ploy to steal user data; do not click any links.'

Practice Scenarios

Business

Scenario:

The recent surge in the other company's stock prices seems unusually timed. They might be planning a move we haven't considered yet.

Response:

Do you think the sudden stock surge is a ploy to push us into a hasty decision?

Creative

Scenario:

This novel's plot needs a jolt. It's getting a little predictable in the middle chapters.

Response:

What if we introduce a ploy that reveals a hidden connection between two characters?