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

Consider that the current decline of Black celebrity activism comes at a time when there is a striking lack of Democratic political leadership, and especially Black Democratic political leadership, on the national stage.

Read more on Salon

This perspective views the succession battle as potentially ushering in more extreme progressive leadership rather than the moderate alternatives some Democrats might prefer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And then there is the serious matter of a rudderless Democratic Party that, nearly a year after the presidential election, lacks a unified message and strong national leadership.

Read more on Salon

Odinga's death leaves a leadership vacuum in the opposition, with critics accusing him of failing to prepare a successor.

Read more on Barron's

Under his leadership, Salesforce has taken progressive positions on cultural issues.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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