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
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.
The politicians who joined Massie have all had their clashes with Republican leadership – either in Washington or in local Kentucky politics.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Rising global bond yields are raising concerns about the sustainability of the tech sector’s market leadership.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
Wise leadership, prudent judgment, strategic patience, the maintenance of alliances, domestic cohesion, promotion of economic dynamism—these are all choices that trump destiny in the pursuit of national greatness.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
His departure comes at an uncharted time for CBS, as the company undergoes several leadership changes.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
And I wrote it about Lucinda when I saw her displaying leadership skills as far back as preschool.”
From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
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.
