management

American  

[man-ij-muhnt] / ˈmæn ɪdʒ mənt /

noun

1. the act or manner of managing; handling, direction, or control.

   Synonyms:

   treatment, guidance, conduct, charge, care, administration, regulation

2. skill in managing; executive ability.

   great management and tact.

3. the person or persons controlling and directing the affairs of a business, institution, etc..

   The store is under new management.

4. executives collectively, considered as a class (distinguished from labor).

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management British  

/ ˈmænɪdʒmənt /

noun

1. the members of the executive or administration of an organization or business See also line management middle management top management

2. managers or employers collectively

3. the technique, practice, or science of managing, controlling or dealing with

   anger management

4. the skilful or resourceful use of materials, time, etc

5. the specific treatment of a disease, disorder, etc

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management Cultural  

1. The body of individuals who run major businesses, usually without owning them but often with the reward of stock options.

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Other Word Forms

• antimanagement adjective
• managemental adjective
• nonmanagement noun
• promanagement adjective
• self-management noun

Etymology

Origin of management

First recorded in 1590–1600; manage + -ment

Explanation

The noun management means "the act of directing or controlling things," like your management of five-year-olds that included fun time, quiet time, and clean-up time. Management can be the people in charge of running a business, who have employees who report to them, or the work those leaders do. Good management is a combination of people skills, shrewd business plans, and probably a little luck, too. Outside of business, management can describe anything you direct, like the management of your health by eating right, exercising, seeing your doctor regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, Elliott said a medium-term management plan, unveiled by Mitsui O.S.K. at the end of March, fell short of addressing large unrealized gains tied to the company’s real-estate and vessel holdings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

He seems to be thriving now under the new management and played with Chris Wood as well, who gives him the license to go get on the ball and do what he needs to do.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

“In our view, this creates scope for capital management initiatives, particularly if lithium prices remain supported through 2026,” Morgans says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

In this scenario, the buyers of the closed-end would get a 10% bonus, or $25 a share of the management company for every five shares of the closed-end fund— $250.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“That’s not all he wanted,” Sherman shrugged, telling me the side he heard from his father, which was the management side.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• administration
• care
• control
• governance
• government
• handling
• operation
• oversight
• supervision