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

Addressing these blind spots requires awareness, new behaviors, and updating one's self-identity to elevate leadership quality. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

In addition to activities including mountain biking and kayaking, the gathering hosts leadership programs and educational sessions. — Jamie Stengle, Fortune, 31 July 2026

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh is answering readers’ leadership questions all season. — Torrey Hart, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Multiple current and former police officers have sued the city this year, citing problems within the department under Dustman’s leadership. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 31 July 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