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

2. ability to lead.

   As early as sixth grade she displayed remarkable leadership potential.

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

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

"And I think they do need to have a good hard look at themselves and demonstrate that they are able to provide effective leadership."

Read more on BBC

Cowell has been moved from his current leadership role, as BBC Sport revealed on Saturday, following disagreements between the two over the running of the team and design of the 2026 car, according to insiders.

Read more on BBC

One of these organizations is the Save America Movement, which runs the Liberty Vans and includes a bipartisan leadership that is far more politically connected than that of many grassroots organizations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While it’s all well and good to laud Mamdani’s extraordinary political talents and inspiring leadership for social justice, at the same time we should recognize that he has entered into an embrace with a rattlesnake.

Read more on Salon

And while the activist core of the various Gen Z movements are organised, their spontaneous, loose structure and lack of leadership have not translated into the creation of political projects beyond the initial demands.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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