How to pronounce leadership
Say it like LEE-der-ship. Leadership has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leadership. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEE
- der
- ship
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leadership pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- shipGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of leadership
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LEE-duh-ship.
What does leadership mean?
- the activity of leading“his leadership inspired the team”
- the body of people who lead a group“the national leadership adopted his plan”
- the status of a leader“they challenged his leadership of the union”
Where does leadership come from?
From leader + -ship.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with leadership
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of leadership.
Questions about saying leadership
How do you pronounce leadership?
Say LEE-der-ship. The American pronunciation is /ˈlidɚˌʃɪp/. In British English it is /ˈliːdəˌʃɪp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leadership?
Leadership has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE). Broken into parts: LEE · der · ship.
Is leadership pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈliːdəˌʃɪp/ (LEE-duh-ship).