What does "governance" mean?

1. (the act of governing) the way that a city, country, or large organization is managed and controlled. 2. (corporate/organizational systems) the rules and systems a company uses to make sure it is run fairly and legally. 3. (the state of being governed) the condition of being under the control or influence of a system of rules.

governance — meaning, definition & examples

Word

01the act of governing

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal

n. the way that a city, country, or large organization is managed and controlled.

n. the exercise of authority and control over a political or corporate entity. Uncountable in its abstract sense.

“The country needs better governance to help its economy grow.”

“The international community called for improved governance and transparency to ensure that the aid reached the citizens who needed it most.”

Synonyms

administration management rule

Antonyms

anarchy disorder

02corporate/organizational systems

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal

n. the rules and systems a company uses to make sure it is run fairly and legally.

n. the framework of rules and practices by which a board of directors ensures accountability, fairness, and transparency in a company's relationship with its stakeholders.

“The bank changed its corporate governance rules after the financial crisis.”

“Effective corporate governance requires a clear separation of powers between the chief executive and the board of directors to prevent conflicts of interest.”

Synonyms

oversight stewardship

03the state of being governed

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Academic · Formal

n. the condition of being under the control or influence of a system of rules.

n. the state or condition of being governed or regulated by a specific authority.

“The remote islands were under the governance of a distant colonial power.”

“The transition from military rule to democratic governance proved to be a complex process that lasted over a decade.”

Synonyms

regulation control

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “governance” in context.

Verb

01. improve the governance of

“The reforms aim to improve the governance of the country's natural resources.”

verb + noun + prep

02. strengthen governance

“The new CEO promised to strengthen governance by appointing independent board members.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. corporate governance

“The scandal highlighted the need for stricter corporate governance within the banking sector.”

adj + noun

04. democratic governance

“The transition to democratic governance has been slow but steady in the post-war era.”

adj + noun

05. effective governance

“Effective governance is essential for the long-term stability of any non-profit organization.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. governance structure

“The university is currently reviewing its internal governance structure to increase transparency.”

noun + noun

07. standards of governance

“The international community is calling for higher standards of governance in the region.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

08. in terms of governance

“The company is performing well financially, but it still has a long way to go in terms of governance.”

prep + noun + prep

“This has given the group tax and regulatory advantages, and allows it to carry out charitable activities, but experts say that its dual non-profit and commercial objectives have sometimes led to governance issues.”

BBC News 12 Aug 2026

“To address rising youth unemployment, the report recommends adopting a human-centred approach to AI governance, investing in quality education, strengthening employment services, expanding social protection and creating more decent job opportunities.”

UN News 11 Aug 2026

“Since the takeover, UNAMA has monitored the situation of governance, rule of law, security and human rights across Afghanistan, including developments in domestic law, the criminal justice system and respect for victims’ rights.”

UN News 10 Aug 2026