C1nounformal3K

Presidency

UK /["/ˈprezɪdənsi/"]/US /["/ˈprezɪdənsi/"]/

Definition

the job of being president of a country or an organization; the period of time somebody holds this job

In simple words: The time when someone is the leader of a country.

Examples

  • the current holder of the EU presidency
  • She hopes to be the first woman elected to the presidency of the United States.
  • He was a White House official during the Biden presidency.
  • She held the presidency of the association for three years.
  • He became a candidate for the presidency.
  • That year he resigned his presidency of the Academy.
  • Three years into his presidency, he is more popular than ever.
  • under the presidency of Barack Obama

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts when discussing political leadership, typically not in casual conversations. Avoid using in slang or informal discussions about politics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'pre' (before) + 'si(d)e' (side) + 'ncy' (ancy) – the term is about what happens before a leader's side ends.

Collocations

  • executive
  • vice
  • rotating
  • be nominated for
  • run for
  • stand for
  • into somebody’s presidency
  • under somebody’s presidency

Synonyms

  • leadership
  • administration
  • tenure
  • government
  • office

Antonyms

  • subordination
  • inferiority
  • servitude

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'presidency' and 'president' – 'presidency' refers to the term, while 'president' is the individual.
  • Using 'presidency' in place of 'administration' – these refer to different concepts.
  • Assuming 'presidency' can refer to any leadership role instead of specifically the role of head of state.