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

• nonguidance noun
• preguidance 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

“There’s already been a lot of optimism built in” to the market because of investors’ expectations on such guidance, he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

A stroke occurs when blood stops flowing to part of the brain, according to NHS guidance.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“We do not expect formal midterm financial guidance as the company has historically only provided ‘guidance’ for a single year out.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The agency noted in Friday’s letter that its guidance for the company “has remained consistent as evidenced by our communications dating back to 2021.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The guidance counselor increased the frequency of the boy’s tutoring sessions to three times a week, which, mathematically speaking, cubed the boy’s anger.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

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