leadership
Americannoun
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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
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ability to lead.
As early as sixth grade she displayed remarkable leadership potential.
- Synonyms:
- clout, sway, effectiveness, command, influence, authoritativeness
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an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction.
They prospered under his strong leadership.
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the leaders of a group.
The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.
noun
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the position or function of a leader
-
the period during which a person occupies the position of leader
during her leadership very little was achieved
-
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the ability to lead
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( as modifier )
leadership qualities
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the leaders as a group of a party, union, etc
the union leadership is now very reactionary
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of leadership
Explanation
Leadership is the action of leading a group of people. Or, the actual people who lead the group. If you think you have leadership skills, you better be able to rally the troops and get the job done. Leadership can be the act of leading, or a name for the group of people doing the leading. The House leadership, newly emboldened by election results, may set an ambitious agenda for the new session of Congress. Your own leadership skills may be called into question if your entire staff resigns and goes to work for your competitor.
Vocabulary lists containing leadership
"Speaking Up"
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 7
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"Speeches on the Little Rock Nine"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the past, Lukaku has characterised himself as the more vocal of Belgium's leadership group, while De Bruyne sets professional standards in training on the pitch.
From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026
Under the leadership of Nikita Khrushchev, the U.S.S.R. attempted reforms in the mid-1950s that would steer away from the savage repression of Joseph Stalin’s regime.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026
Without leadership, the panel cannot take any official action until new members are nominated and confirmed by the Senate.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026
He’s openly said he’s not going to vote for the Democratic leadership.
From Salon • Jul. 10, 2026
The spiritual press appealed to their typically liberal audience with articles on the benefits of racial equality and leadership qualities in women.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.