Leadership Vocabulary

noun the state of being in a position of power or influence over others

adjective having power or influence over others

• The political party gained ascendancy in the recent election.
• Her ascendancy in the company was well-deserved.
• He's always had the ascendancy when it comes to video games.
• The rise of social media has given influencers a new form of ascendancy.

verb to cause or make something happen

adverb used to modify a verb, indicating the manner in which something is done

• The new policy is expected to bring about positive changes in the company.
• I hope this new plan will bring about some good results.
• Let's see if this idea can bring about some cool stuff.
• His actions will bring about a storm of controversy.

noun A rank in the military or police

• The captain of the ship was responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers.
• I heard the captain is a great guy to work under.
• Yo, that captain is one cool dude!
• She was the captain of her own destiny, steering her life in the direction she wanted.

noun a chief or leader, especially in a tribal society

• The chieftain of the tribe made an important decision regarding their next course of action.
• The chieftain is hosting a feast for the village tonight.
• The chieftain is the big boss around here.
• She was the chieftain of the dance floor, leading the group with grace and confidence.

verb to emerge or appear; to come out into view

• The evidence will come forth during the trial.
• I can't wait for all the gossip to come forth at the party.
• When will the truth finally come forth?
• His true talent only began to come forth after years of practice.

verb to successfully overcome or defeat an enemy or obstacle

• The army set out to conquer the neighboring kingdom.
• I'm determined to conquer this video game level tonight.
• She's on a mission to conquer her fear of public speaking.
• With determination and hard work, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way.

noun a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration

adjective used to describe something related to making a decision

• The board members made a unanimous decision to proceed with the merger.
• I finally made a decision on which car to buy after weeks of research.
• I'm still on the fence about my decision to quit my job and travel the world.
• Sometimes in life, you have to make a decision to close one door in order to open another.

verb to have control or power over; to be the most important or noticeable aspect

• The company aims to dominate the market with its innovative products.
• She always manages to dominate the conversation with her strong opinions.
• The team totally dominated the game last night.
• His fear of failure seemed to dominate his every decision.

verb to choose someone for a position by voting

adjective chosen for a position through voting

• The new president was elected by a majority vote.
• My friend got elected as the class president.
• She got elected to be the team captain.
• His charisma and leadership skills elected him as the group's spokesperson.

verb to give someone the power or authority to do something; to make someone stronger and more confident

• The organization's main goal is to empower marginalized communities through education and resources.
• I always feel empowered after a good workout at the gym.
• She's really empowering her friends to take risks and try new things.
• Reading a good book can empower your mind and spirit.

noun a communication intended to urge or persuade the recipients to take some action

• The bishop's exhortation to the congregation was to live a life of virtue and compassion.
• My mom's exhortation to clean my room was met with a groan and a promise to do it later.
• The coach's exhortation to 'step up your game' really motivated the team to work harder.
• The author's exhortation to 'find your inner strength' resonated with readers on a deep level.

noun a means to an end, especially one that is convenient or practical

adjective convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral

• It was deemed expedient to make changes to the budget in order to meet the financial goals.
• It's expedient to leave early if you want to avoid traffic.
• Skipping class might seem expedient, but it's not the best choice in the long run.
• In a figurative sense, taking shortcuts is not always expedient for personal growth.

verb to make an action or process easier or more efficient

• The new software system is designed to facilitate communication between different departments.
• Using this app will facilitate our group project planning.
• Let's use this tool to make things easier and facilitate the process.
• His guidance will facilitate your journey towards success.

noun a boastful or arrogant display or talk; braggadocio

• The politician's speech was filled with empty fanfaronade, lacking any real substance.
• Don't pay attention to his fanfaronade, he's just trying to impress everyone.
• His fanfaronade is so over the top, it's hard to take him seriously.
• Her extravagant fanfaronade masked her insecurities and fears.

adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by indicating the manner in which something is done

• She firmly believes in the importance of upholding ethical standards in the workplace.
• He firmly told his friends that he would not be attending the party.
• I firmly told him to back off before things got ugly.
• The roots of their friendship are firmly planted in trust and loyalty.

verb to move forward with determination and purpose, especially in the face of challenges or obstacles

• Despite facing numerous obstacles, the team decided to forge ahead with their project.
• Even though things got tough, we just gotta forge ahead and keep pushing forward.
• When life throws you curveballs, you just gotta keep on forging ahead.
• In order to achieve your goals, you must be willing to forge ahead and not let anything hold you back.

noun a person who leads a group, especially in a military or political context

• The fugleman led the procession with great precision and grace.
• The fugleman is the one who always leads the group during our hikes.
• That guy is like the fugleman of the squad, always taking charge.
• She acted as the fugleman in organizing the event, making sure everything ran smoothly.

verb to make someone feel more cheerful or optimistic

• The positive feedback from the investors heartened the team to continue with their project.
• Your words of encouragement really heartened me to keep going.
• Seeing my favorite band perform live really heartened me up.
• The sunrise over the mountains heartened her soul and filled her with hope.

verb to give or pass on something, such as knowledge or information

• It is important for teachers to impart knowledge to their students in a clear and concise manner.
• My grandmother always tries to impart wisdom to me through her stories.
• I wish I could impart some cool dance moves to my friends.
• The artist's paintings impart a sense of peace and tranquility to all who view them.

adjective having the power to have an effect on someone or something; powerful; influential

• The influential research paper was cited by numerous scholars in the field.
• She is one of the most influential people in our group of friends.
• That rapper is so influential, he's always dropping fire tracks.
• His words were like a powerful wave, influential in shaping public opinion.

noun a person who has been initiated into an organization or activity

verb to cause something to begin or start

• The company will initiate a new project next month.
• Let's initiate the plan and get started.
• I'm going to initiate a chat with that cute guy over there.
• Sometimes you have to initiate change in order to see progress.

noun a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products

• The innovator presented a groundbreaking solution to the problem.
• She's known as the innovator in our group, always coming up with new ideas.
• That guy is a total innovator, he's always thinking outside the box.
• The artist was seen as an innovator in the way he pushed the boundaries of traditional art.

adjective unable to be defeated or overcome; unbeatable

• The fortress was deemed invincible due to its impenetrable walls and advanced defense systems.
• He felt invincible after winning the championship match.
• She's like an invincible ninja when it comes to video games.
• His love for her made him feel invincible, like he could conquer anything.

noun a male monarch who rules a kingdom or empire

adjective relating to or characteristic of a king, regal

• The king of England held a grand banquet at the palace.
• Did you see the king's speech on TV last night?
• That party was lit, the king was there and everything!
• In the world of finance, cash flow is king.

noun the period during which a king or queen reigns

• The kingship was passed down through generations in the royal family.
• The kingship was a big deal for the whole family.
• He thought he was the king of the world with that kingship.
• In the world of finance, the kingship belongs to those who make the most profit.

noun a person or thing that leads or guides

verb to guide or direct someone in a particular direction

adverb in a way that shows guidance or direction

• The tour guide will lead on the group to the next exhibit.
• Hey, can you lead on to where the party is?
• I'll follow your lead on this project.
• His charisma and confidence always lead on those around him.

noun a person or thing that shows the way to others

verb to show or guide someone in a particular direction

• The experienced guide will lead the way through the treacherous mountain terrain.
• Hey, you know the shortcut to the party, can you lead the way?
• Yo, dude, you're the local here, you lead the way to the best burger joint.
• Her innovative ideas will lead the way to a successful business venture.

verb to treat someone as a celebrity or as very important

• The author was lionized for his groundbreaking novel.
• Everyone in the town lionized the local hero after his heroic act.
• The singer was totally lionized by her fans at the concert.
• In the world of fashion, designers often lionize certain models as the 'it' girls of the season.

noun a title or honorific term of respect given to a person considered to be a great soul or leader, especially in India

• Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader in India's independence movement.
• Have you read any books about Mahatma Gandhi?
• I heard Mahatma was a real game-changer back in the day.
• His actions spoke louder than words, truly a mahatma in every sense.

noun a person who is in charge of or controls something

verb to be in charge of or control something

• As the project manager, it is crucial to efficiently manage resources and timelines.
• I need to figure out how to manage my time better so I can get everything done.
• I have to juggle a million things at once, but somehow I manage to keep it all together.
• She had to learn how to manage the storm of emotions that came with the breakup.

noun A skilled or proficient individual in a particular area

verb To become proficient or skilled in something

adjective Referring to something that is of the highest quality or level

• The master of the house greeted the guests with a warm smile.
• My friend is a master at playing the guitar.
• I heard he's a real master at video games.
• She is a master of deception, always able to manipulate situations to her advantage.

verb to provide someone with a reason or incentive to do something

• It is important for managers to motivate their employees to increase productivity.
• I need someone to motivate me to go to the gym today.
• My coach really knows how to motivate us to give it our all during practice.
• The success of the project will motivate us to continue pushing forward.

noun the general desire or willingness of someone to do something

• Motivation plays a key role in driving employees to achieve their goals in the workplace.
• I need some motivation to get through this Monday morning.
• I'm lacking the motivation to hit the gym today.
• The beautiful sunrise served as a motivation for her to start each day with positivity.

adjective moving or continuing forward

adverb in a forward direction or toward a destination

• The project will continue onward despite the setbacks.
• Let's keep moving onward with our plans.
• Onward and upward, let's push through this!
• As we journey onward in life, we must embrace new challenges.

verb to impress or restrain by inspiring fear or awe

• The speaker's powerful presence seemed to overawe the audience.
• Her confidence and charisma really overawed everyone in the room.
• The way he strutted in like he owned the place totally overawed me.
• The grandeur of the mountains never fails to overawe me with its beauty.

noun a way or path that has been prepared or made easier to travel on

verb to prepare the way or make progress easier for something to happen

article used before a noun to specify something

• The new infrastructure project will pave the way for economic growth in the region.
• Her hard work and dedication paved the way for her promotion at work.
• His viral video really paved the way for his career in social media.
• Learning to play the piano at a young age can pave the way for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by indicating the manner in which something is done

• The new machine was designed to operate powerfully in order to increase efficiency.
• She sang powerfully during the concert last night.
• He hit the ball powerfully out of the park.
• The author's words resonated powerfully with the audience.

noun a person or thing of great energy, strength, or power

adjective having great power or strength

• The new factory is considered a powerhouse in the manufacturing industry.
• She's a real powerhouse when it comes to organizing events.
• That team is a powerhouse on the basketball court.
• Her determination and drive make her a powerhouse in the business world.

noun the fact of surpassing all others; superiority or outstanding importance

• The company's preeminence in the industry is well recognized by its competitors.
• She has always enjoyed a position of preeminence in the local art community.
• He thinks he's the king of the hill, always trying to assert his preeminence.
• The preeminence of her talent shone through in every performance.

verb to persuade or convince someone to do something

• I had to prevail upon my colleagues to support the new initiative.
• I managed to prevail upon my friend to lend me some money.
• I couldn't prevail upon my parents to let me go to the concert.
• Despite the odds, he was able to prevail upon his inner strength to keep going.

noun the position or status of being a queen

• Her queenship was officially recognized after the coronation ceremony.
• She's really embracing her queenship and all the responsibilities that come with it.
• Did you see her rocking that queenship vibe at the party last night?
• In the world of business, she holds the queenship when it comes to leadership and decision-making.

adjective showing firm determination or purpose

adverb in a determined or unwavering manner

• She resolutely refused to compromise her principles.
• He resolutely stuck to his decision despite the opposition.
• She was like, 'I'm resolutely not backing down on this.'
• The old tree stood resolutely against the strong winds, a symbol of strength and resilience.

verb to feel deep respect or admiration for someone or something

• The community deeply revere their religious leaders.
• I really revere my grandparents for all their wisdom.
• I totally revere that new artist, their music is fire.
• She seemed to revere the old book as if it held all the secrets of the universe.

noun a slang term for a military sergeant

• The sarge ordered his troops to stand at attention.
• Hey sarge, what's the plan for today?
• Sarge said we need to hustle if we want to finish on time.
• She's the sarge of the household, always keeping everyone in line.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, and forming the main part of the predicate of a sentence

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• It is important to see it through until the end in order to achieve success.
• Just keep pushing forward and see it through, you got this!
• Don't give up now, you gotta see it through no matter what.
• Life is like a journey, you have to see it through all the ups and downs to reach your destination.

noun the pointed head or striking tip of a spear

verb to lead or initiate an activity or organization

• The company appointed a new executive to spearhead the marketing campaign.
• They chose Sarah to spearhead the project because of her leadership skills.
• John is going to spearhead the party planning for next weekend.
• The artist used vibrant colors to spearhead the painting, creating a focal point for the viewers.

noun a loyal, reliable, and hardworking supporter or participant in an organization or team

adjective loyal, reliable, and hardworking

• The stalwart defender of the law was praised for his unwavering dedication.
• Tom has been a stalwart friend to me for years, always there when I need him.
• She's a real stalwart when it comes to partying, always the last one to leave.
• The old oak tree stood stalwart against the winds of change, a symbol of resilience and strength.

noun an adult castrated male of domestic cattle

verb to guide or control the movement of a vehicle or animal in a particular direction

• The farmer used a wooden stick to steer the cattle towards the barn.
• I had to steer the conversation away from politics to avoid an argument.
• I let my friend steer the wheel while I took a nap in the car.
• She knew how to steer her career in the right direction by networking and gaining experience.

noun a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

verb to move forward by taking a step

adverb in a manner that involves taking a step

preposition used to indicate movement towards a particular direction or goal

• The company decided to take a step forward in their sustainability efforts by implementing new eco-friendly practices.
• I think it's time for us to take a step forward and start planning our next big adventure.
• Come on, don't be afraid to take that step forward and ask them out on a date!
• After facing many obstacles, she finally found the courage to take a step forward and pursue her dreams.

noun a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place

verb to increase or improve something in amount, quality, or degree

• It is time for the company to step up its efforts in research and development.
• Hey, can you step up and help me with this project?
• Dude, you really need to step up your game if you want to win.
• When faced with a challenge, it's important to step up and show what you're made of.

noun a person or thing that subdues or conquers

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• The police were able to apprehend the criminal with the help of a skilled subduer.
• The bouncer at the club is known as the ultimate subduer when dealing with rowdy patrons.
• That MMA fighter is a real subduer in the ring, taking down opponents with ease.
• Her calming presence acted as a subduer in the midst of chaos, bringing peace to the situation.

noun a person of higher rank or status

adjective higher in rank, status, or quality

• The superior quality of the product is evident in its durability and performance.
• I always go to that bakery because their pastries are superior to any other in town.
• Dude, that new video game is so superior to the one we used to play.
• Her superior knowledge on the subject made her the go-to person for advice.

noun a person or thing of the highest quality or rank

adjective of the highest quality or rank; excellent

• The topflight athletes will be competing in the championship event next week.
• I heard that only the topflight teams will be selected for the tournament.
• Those players are topflight, they always bring their A-game.
• Her topflight performance in the meeting impressed everyone in the room.

noun A person who leads or inspires others in a particular activity or cause, especially one that is difficult or challenging.

• The torchbearer led the procession through the dark streets.
• Hey, did you see the torchbearer at the event last night?
• That torchbearer is always the life of the party.
• She was seen as a torchbearer for change in the organization.

adjective not agitated or disturbed; calm and composed

• Despite the chaos around her, she remained unruffled and composed.
• Even with all the drama going on, she stayed unruffled.
• She was totally unruffled by the whole situation.
• Her mind was like a calm lake, always unruffled by the storms of life.

noun a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like

adjective thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom

• The CEO was known for being a visionary leader, always thinking ahead of the curve.
• My uncle is a visionary when it comes to investing in new technologies.
• That artist is so visionary, their work is ahead of its time.
• Her visionary ideas painted a picture of a brighter future for the company.

noun the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

verb to have and be able to use (power or influence)

• As the CEO, she was able to wield authority over all decision-making processes.
• The teacher always wields authority in the classroom.
• Don't mess with him, he knows how to wield authority.
• The king was able to wield authority like a sword, cutting through any opposition.

verb to hold and use (a weapon or tool) effectively

• The skilled blacksmith was able to wield the hammer with precision.
• He can wield a guitar like nobody's business.
• She can wield a mean spatula in the kitchen.
• The politician knew how to wield her influence to get things done.

noun a person who has the ability to make good decisions and judgments based on knowledge and experience

• The wise man shared his insights on leadership during the conference.
• I always go to my uncle, the wise man, for advice on important decisions.
• My grandpa is the OG wise man in our family.
• In the story, the wise man represented wisdom and guidance for the protagonist.

noun a monetary unit of Japan, equal to one hundredth of a yen

verb past tense of send

• The judge handed down a harsh sentence to the convicted criminal.
• The judge gave the criminal a tough sentence.
• The criminal got a heavy sentence from the judge.
• The weight of the sentence hung heavy over the courtroom.

noun regard or consideration for something

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The company made strategic decisions with an eye to maximizing profits.
• She always plans her trips with an eye to getting the best deals.
• I'm thinking of redecorating my room with an eye to making it more cozy.
• He approached the problem with an eye to finding a creative solution.

noun the quality of being imperative; importance or urgency

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

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preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

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• The imperativeness of following proper procedures cannot be overstated in a professional setting.
• It's really important to understand the imperativeness of meeting deadlines at work.
• Dude, you gotta get the imperativeness of studying for this exam, it's no joke.
• The imperativeness of taking care of our planet is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

conjunction a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• In the absence of the cat, the mice will engage in recreational activities.
• When the cat's away, the mice will play around.
• When the cat's not looking, the mice will party.
• When there is no authority figure present, people will take advantage of the situation.

verb to incline or bend towards something

adverb in a manner that involves inclining or bending towards something

• In order to show interest and engage with the speaker, it is important to lean in during the conversation.
• If you want to hear better, just lean in a bit closer.
• Yo, lean in when I'm dropping some knowledge on you!
• Sometimes you just have to lean in and take a risk in order to succeed.

noun A person who is recognized as an authority in a specialized field and whose views and opinions are highly regarded by others

• The thought leader in the industry is known for their innovative ideas and forward-thinking strategies.
• Everyone looks up to Sarah as the thought leader when it comes to fashion trends.
• Jake is the ultimate thought leader when it comes to gaming strategies.
• As a thought leader in the field of psychology, Dr. Smith's insights have the power to shape the future of mental health research.

adjective causing a marked change in someone or something

• The new technology has the potential to be truly transformative in the healthcare industry.
• That book was so transformative, it really changed my perspective on things.
• Dude, that movie was totally transformative - it blew my mind!
• Her words were like a transformative spell, casting a new light on the situation.

noun a bullet made of silver, often believed to be able to kill supernatural creatures such as werewolves or vampires

• The researchers were hopeful that they had discovered a silver bullet solution to the problem.
• I don't think there's a silver bullet that can fix this situation.
• There's no silver bullet for getting in shape, it takes hard work and dedication.
• Some people believe that technology is the silver bullet that will solve all our problems.

verb to act with courage, strength, and determination in a difficult situation

adjective displaying qualities traditionally associated with masculinity, such as courage and toughness

• It is important for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and man-up when they make a mistake.
• Hey dude, you need to man-up and face the consequences of your actions.
• Stop whining and just man-up already!
• Sometimes in life, you just have to man-up and deal with whatever comes your way.

adjective a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it

• She was considered the ablest candidate for the job due to her extensive experience and skills.
• Out of all the players, he is definitely the ablest when it comes to scoring goals.
• That mechanic is the ablest at fixing cars in town.
• Among all the artists, she is the ablest at capturing emotions in her paintings.

adjective describing the position of being detached or uninvolved in a situation of conflict or competition

preposition indicating a position higher than or overhead in relation to something else

• The politician maintained his composure and stayed above the fray during the heated debate.
• She always manages to stay above the fray when her friends start arguing.
• I try to stay above the fray when drama starts in my friend group.
• By focusing on my goals and not getting involved in petty arguments, I am able to stay above the fray.

noun the state or quality of being accountable; responsibility or liability

• The company's strict policies ensure a high level of accountableness among employees.
• We all need to take responsibility for our actions and maintain a sense of accountableness.
• Dude, you gotta own up to your mistakes and show some accountableness.
• In a team setting, accountableness is like the glue that holds everything together.

noun The supreme commander of a fleet or navy.

• The admiral led the fleet into battle with strategic precision.
• I heard the admiral is a big fan of fishing in his free time.
• That admiral dude is always on top of his game.
• She's the admiral of our friend group, always making sure everyone is taken care of.