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

After their massive Election Day losses, some GOP lawmakers are inclined to fully overhaul their leadership. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026

The transgression blemishes Huang’s leadership, which has been admired by many people in Silicon Valley. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026

Female voice's power The 2026 midterms became a historical catalyst for women in leadership. — Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026

In a statement, the CAC leadership acknowledged the fissures created by Skolnick’s ouster, as well as the need to repair relationships and address the non-profit’s financial challenges. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 8 Nov. 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