English Reference
noun

leadership

n.
US /ˈɫidɝˌʃɪp/ UK /lˈiːdəʃˌɪp/ lead·er·ship UK spelling leadership's, leadership's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the skill or quality of being able to guide and inspire other people.

    the abstract capacity or quality of an individual to guide, influence, or inspire others within a group or organisation.

    Simple

    The team succeeded because of her strong leadership during the crisis.

    In context

    Effective leadership requires a delicate balance between decisive action and the ability to listen to the concerns of subordinates.

    followership
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the group of people who are in charge of a company, party, or country.

    a collective noun referring to the body of individuals who hold the highest positions of authority in an organisation.

    Simple

    The party leadership met today to discuss the new policy changes.

    In context

    The corporate leadership faced intense scrutiny from shareholders after the quarterly earnings fell significantly below market expectations.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the position of being a leader, or the time when someone is in charge.

    the formal office, status, or tenure of a leader.

    Simple

    Under his leadership, the school became one of the best in the city.

    In context

    The country experienced significant economic growth during her ten-year leadership, largely due to her focus on international trade agreements.

    headshipdirectorshiptenure

Usage leadership team · leadership style

Ghana has been given special responsibility by the African Union to be "champion for reparatory justice" and it is clearly a role the country's political leadership is taking seriously.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

He also displayed leadership qualities, rallying the team in difficult conditions in Mexico City and leading a comeback against Norway.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

From leader + -ship.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated