leadership

[ lee-der-ship ]

noun

1. the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group:

   He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition.

   Synonyms: stewardship, directorship, hegemony, governorship, control, management, administration

2. ability to lead:

   As early as sixth grade she displayed remarkable leadership potential.

   Synonyms: effectiveness, authoritativeness, clout, sway, command, influence

3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction:

   They prospered under his strong leadership.

4. the leaders of a group:

   The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.

leadership

/ ˈliːdəʃɪp /

noun

1. the position or function of a leader
2. the period during which a person occupies the position of leader

   during her leadership very little was achieved

3. 1. the ability to lead
   2. ( as modifier )

      leadership qualities

4. the leaders as a group of a party, union, etc

   the union leadership is now very reactionary

Word History and Origins

Origin of leadership¹

First recorded in 1815–25; leader + -ship

Example Sentences

The primary question left for him and the Justice Department’s leadership is whether to produce a report of the Jan. 6 and classified documents cases and, if so, what it should look like.

From Los Angeles Times

Google pushed back, calling the request an “unprecedented government overreach” that would harm consumers and U.S. tech leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

Senate Republicans have largely refused to comment on the allegations, as House GOP leadership seeks to bury the report.

From Salon

“President Trump will undoubtedly be driven by one goal, to project his strength, his leadership,” he said.

From BBC

With Smith facing likely defeat and, with it, possibly the end of his leadership, he turned to Prescott - the lifelong trade unionist - to win over waverers.

From BBC

Related Words

• captaincy
• captainship
• care
• coaching
• direction
• encouragement
• guardianship
• guidance
• initiative
• lead
• navigation
• overseeing
• pilotage
• piloting
• shepherding
• steering
• stewardship
• superintendence
• superintendency
• supervision