leadership

noun

lead·​er·​ship ˈlē-dər-ˌship 

1

: the office or position of a leader

recently assumed the leadership of the company

2

: capacity to lead

a politician who lacks leadership

3

: the act or an instance of leading

… leadership molds individuals into a team …

—Harold Koontz and Cyril O'Donnell

4

: leaders

the party leadership

Examples of leadership in a Sentence

a politician who lacks leadership

What this country needs is the exercise of strong leadership!

Recent Examples on the Web

The surge in withdrawals comes as the ICC faces hostility from Washington and a leadership crisis after ousting its own chief prosecutor. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

He was posthumously recognized with the Merit Award for his outstanding service, forward-thinking leadership, initiative and lasting contributions to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Before fighting, a commander should systematically compare his circumstances with those of the enemy, assessing such factors as leadership, discipline, terrain, and military strength. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

His more than 32-year law enforcement career has included leadership assignments in violent crimes, patrol and special investigations, and homicide and robbery investigations. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing leadership

• under someone's leadership

Rhymes for leadership

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip