guidance

American  

[gahyd-ns] / ˈgaɪd ns /

noun

1. the act or function of guiding; leadership; direction.

   Synonyms:

   government, control, supervision, conduct, management

2. advice or counseling, especially that provided for students choosing a course of study or preparing for a vocation.

3. supervised care or assistance, especially therapeutic help in the treatment of minor emotional disturbances.

4. something that guides.

5. the process by which the flight of a missile or rocket may be altered in speed and direction in response to controls situated either wholly in the projectile or partly at a base.

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guidance British  

/ ˈɡaɪdəns /

noun

1. leadership, instruction, or direction

2. 1. counselling or advice on educational, vocational, or psychological matters

   2. ( as modifier )

      the marriage-guidance counsellor

3. something that guides

4. any process by which the flight path of a missile is controlled in flight See also guided missile

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preguidance
  noun
• nonguidance
  noun
• self-guidance
  noun

Etymology

Origin of guidance

First recorded in 1765–75; guide + -ance

Explanation

Guidance can mean steering (like the navigation system in a satellite) or the act of providing direction (like a guidance counselor does). Back in the 1530s, guidance started out meaning "the process of directing conduct," similar to what we think of when we think of parents, mentors, or counselors. If you've ever asked a friend for advice on what to wear, you were seeking their guidance. But guidance also applies to physical direction. We might use a global positioning system (GPS) for guidance when we drive. Years ago, sailors relied on the stars for guidance. Sherpas provide guidance to climbers hiking Mt. Everest so they don't get lost.

Example Sentences

Guidance implies 2026 robo-taxi revenue of about $58 million.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Guidance was a weak spot for HubSpot, which sees revenue of $3.7 billion to $3.71 billion in 2026, up from prior calls for $3.69 billion to $3.7 billion.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Guidance around older women lowers windows so they can be cleaned easily.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Guidance for second-quarter revenue was upped to growth of between $39 billion and $40.2 billion versus what analysts are currently modelling around $38 billion.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Guidance Counselor: “I think we need to explore the family dynamics at play here.”

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

• advice
• direction
• instruction
• intelligence
• leadership
• management
• navigation
• supervision
• teaching