lead·er·ship  [lee-der-ship]  Show IPA
 

noun
1.the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. Synonyms: administration, management, directorship, control, governorship, stewardship, hegemony.
2.ability to lead: As early as sixth grade she displayed remarkable leadership potential. Synonyms: authoritativeness, influence, command, effectiveness; sway, clout.
3.an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his strong leadership.
4.the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.
 

Origin:
1815–25; leader + -ship

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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.



World English Dictionary



leadership  (ˈliːdəʃɪp)

— n
1. the position or function of a leader
2. the period during which a person occupies the position of leader: during her leadership very little was achieved
3. a. the ability to lead
    b. ( as modifier ): leadership qualities
4. the leaders as a group of a party, union, etc: the union leadership is now very reactionary

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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009



Word Origin & History



leadership
1821, "position of a leader," from leader + -ship. Sense extended by late 19c. to "characteristics necessary to be a leader."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper