guidance

American  

[gahyd-ns] / ˈgaɪd ns /

noun

guidances plural

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

• nonguidance
  noun
• preguidance
  noun
• self-guidance
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• guidances
  plural

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

Some consultants bill themselves as senior downsizing experts and can provide guidance in mapping out a move.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 12, 2026

This is why in its 2025 guidance, the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency largely discarded the concept of UPFs.

From Slate • Jul. 12, 2026

They also do not justify stopping or changing antidepressant treatment without guidance from a prescribing clinician.

From Science Daily • Jul. 12, 2026

Officials in Bedar said some of those who had died had not taken a recommended evacuation route - but it's not clear how well that guidance was conveyed.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2026

The guidance counselor told the boy that he would be getting a math tutor.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

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