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noun B1 Intermediate Very common

management

MAN-ihj-muhnt

Management (noun) means the process of planning, organizing, and directing resources or people to achieve a goal. Example: “Good time management is essential when juggling several projects.”

noun
1
The process of planning, organizing, and directing resources or people to achieve a goal.
"Good time management is essential when juggling several projects."
2
The people who run a company or organization, especially senior executives.
"Management announced a company-wide pay rise this quarter."
"Staff met with management to discuss the new schedule."

How to use management

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the act of running/organizing something, or the group of people who do the running.

Common pairings
senior management crisis management risk management under new management

Word forms

managements plural

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Fill the gap

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Good time _____ is essential when juggling several projects.

Etymology

Formed from manage plus the noun-forming suffix -ment.

Related words

Rhymes for management

See all rhymes for management →

Frequently asked questions

What does “management” mean?

The word “management” means the process of planning, organizing, and directing resources or people to achieve a goal. In plain terms, either the act of running/organizing something, or the group of people who do the running.

How do you pronounce “management”?

“Management” is pronounced MAN-ihj-muhnt (/ˈmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “management” in a sentence?

Here is “management” used in a sentence: “Good time management is essential when juggling several projects.”

What part of speech is “management”?

“Management” is a noun.

Is “management” a common word?

“Management” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “management” have?

“Management” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of planning, organizing, and directing resources or people to achieve a goal.

What is the difference between management and leadership?

Management focuses on organising and running things — planning, allocating resources, and keeping processes on track to hit clear goals. Leadership is more about setting a vision and inspiring people to follow it. Managers tend to maintain and control systems, while leaders influence and drive change. Strong organisations usually need both.

What are the main functions of management?

Management is traditionally described through four functions: planning, which sets goals and how to reach them; organising, which arranges people and resources; leading or directing, which guides and motivates staff; and controlling, which monitors progress and makes corrections. Together these functions turn intentions into results within a business or team.

Can management be learned?

Yes. While some people have a natural aptitude for it, management is largely a set of skills that can be taught and improved through study and practice. Courses, qualifications like an MBA, mentoring, and hands-on experience all build ability in planning, decision-making, and handling people. Few managers are simply born ready.

Why is management important?

Good management turns scattered effort into coordinated results. It sets clear goals, uses time, money, and people efficiently, and keeps work moving despite setbacks. Without it, teams can drift, resources are wasted, and objectives are missed. Effective management is often the difference between an organisation that thrives and one that struggles.

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