1821, "position of a leader, command," from leader + -ship. Sense extended by late 19c. to "characteristics necessary to be a leader, capacity to lead."
his leadership inspired the team
the national leadership adopted his plan
they challenged his leadership of the union
he believed that leadership can be taught
lead
leaded
leaden
leader
leaderless
leadership
lead-in
leading
lead-off
lead-up
leaf
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