C1nounformal10K+

Tenure

UK /["/ˈtenjə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈtenjər/"]/

Definition

the period of time when somebody holds an important job, especially a political one; the act of holding an important job

In simple words: The time someone has held a job or position.

Examples

  • his four-year tenure as president
  • She had a long tenure of office.
  • It's still extremely difficult to get tenure.
  • She has been granted tenure at Leeds University.
  • When you rent a house here, you don’t have security of tenure.

Usage notes

Typically used in academic or professional settings to describe the duration of someone's service in a position, like a professor or employee. Less common in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Remember 'tenure' like 'ten years' — think of a long commitment.

Collocations

  • life
  • lifetime
  • long
  • have
  • begin
  • end
  • during somebody’s tenure
  • a tenure of office
  • academic
  • faculty
  • indefinite
  • have
  • achieve
  • get
  • track
  • clock
  • evaluation
  • secure
  • housing
  • land
  • security of tenure

Synonyms

  • duration
  • term
  • service
  • holding
  • post

Antonyms

  • dismissal
  • termination
  • resignation

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tenor' which relates to voice or duration.
  • Used incorrectly when referring to short-term roles instead of long-term positions.