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

Under the leadership of coach Javier Mascherano, Miami faces a new season with a mix of experience and youth. —Jad El Reda columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Board president Cindy Sues said Castenada has a deep understanding of the district’s values and has demonstrated strong leadership. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Contact with the younger Raúl Castro, who does not hold any formal leadership position, seems to signal belief that his grandfather still holds significant sway post-retirement. —Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026

After this season, Montagnino will earn his master’s degree in sports leadership and hopes to continue playing professionally overseas. —Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 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