noun

leeway

LEE-way

Leeway (noun) means Extra freedom or flexibility to act without strict limits. Example: “The new manager gave the team more leeway to set their own deadlines.”

noun

Extra freedom or flexibility to act without strict limits.

"The new manager gave the team more leeway to set their own deadlines."

"We built some leeway into the budget in case costs rose."

How to Use Leeway

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRoom to manoeuvre — extra freedom, time, or margin for error.

Common pairings

give someone leeway allow some leeway little leeway

Word Forms

leeways plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The new manager gave the team more _____ to set their own deadlines.

Etymology

Originally a sailing term: from lee ("the sheltered side away from the wind") plus way, describing how far a ship drifted sideways off course.

Synonyms

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margin tolerance allowance

Related Words

allow budget border edge permission approval pension margin

Rhymes for leeway

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

See all rhymes for leeway →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “leeway” mean?

The word “leeway” means extra freedom or flexibility to act without strict limits. In plain terms, room to manoeuvre — extra freedom, time, or margin for error.

How do you pronounce “leeway”?

“Leeway” is pronounced LEE-way ([ˈliːˌweɪ] in IPA).

How do you use “leeway” in a sentence?

Here is “leeway” used in a sentence: “The new manager gave the team more leeway to set their own deadlines.”

What part of speech is “leeway”?

“Leeway” is a noun.

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