# governance

/ˈɡəvɝnəns/ (US) · /ɡˈʌvənəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/governance
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the act of governing

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. corporate/organizational systems

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. the state of being governed

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The company needs better governance to prevent future financial mistakes.
- The new committee was formed to improve corporate governance and ensure that executives are held accountable to shareholders.
- Effective global governance requires international institutions to balance the competing interests of sovereign states while addressing transnational challenges like climate change and economic instability.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.