statesmanship

[steyts-muhn-ship]

noun

1. the ability, qualifications, or practice of a statesman; wisdom and skill in the management of public affairs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of statesmanship¹

First recorded in 1755–65; statesman + -ship

Example Sentences

Operation Midnight Hammer is one of the greatest acts of presidential statesmanship and leadership in modern American history.

From Los Angeles Times

That and only that will be how American statesmanship can be defined in the years ahead.

From Salon

It was to be a ceremony and a victory for harsh political pressure in the guise of statesmanship.

From Salon

Or will it be a tamer Trump — we’re grading on a curve here — who may not be a model of sober statesmanship, but isn’t totally unhinged?

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts was hailed as a master of judicial statesmanship for reaching consensus.

From Salon

Related Words

• civics