noun
Common
ownership
OH-nuh-shihp
Ownership (noun) means the legal right of possessing something. Example: “The deed proves ownership of the land.”
noun
1
The legal right of possessing something.
"The deed proves ownership of the land."
"Ownership of the house passed to her after her aunt died."
"You need a receipt to show ownership of the bike."
2
Personal responsibility for a task, decision, or outcome.
"He took ownership of the mistake and fixed it himself."
"The team showed real ownership of the project and finished it early."
"Good managers encourage ownership, so staff feel responsible for their own work."
How to use ownership
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLegal possession of something, or personal responsibility for it.
Common pairings
take ownership
sense of ownership
transfer of ownership
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Word forms
- Plural
- ownerships
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The deed proves _____ of the land.
Etymology
From owner + -ship.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ownership
See all rhymes for ownership →Frequently asked questions
What does “ownership” mean?
The word “ownership” means the legal right of possessing something. In plain terms, legal possession of something, or personal responsibility for it.
How do you pronounce “ownership”?
“Ownership” is pronounced OH-nuh-shihp (/ˈoʊnɚʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “ownership” in a sentence?
Here is “ownership” used in a sentence: “The deed proves ownership of the land.”
What is another word for “ownership”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ownership” include owndom, possession, proprietorship and propriety.
What is the opposite of “ownership”?
The opposite of “ownership” — its antonyms — are nonownership and nonpossession.
What part of speech is “ownership”?
“Ownership” is a noun.
Is “ownership” a common word?
“Ownership” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ownership” have?
“Ownership” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the legal right of possessing something.
What is the difference between ownership and possession?
Ownership is the legal right to something — holding the title, even when it is elsewhere. Possession is having physical control of it, whatever the law says. You own a car you have lent to a friend; they possess it while driving. Owners hold the right; possessors hold the thing.
What are the types of ownership?
Ownership takes several forms. Sole ownership means one person holds full rights. Joint or shared ownership splits them between two or more parties, common with property. Private ownership rests with individuals or companies, while public or state ownership belongs to the government on behalf of everyone.
Why is ownership important?
Ownership settles who has the right to use, control, sell, or benefit from something, which prevents disputes and underpins trade and investment. Clear legal ownership lets people buy and sell with confidence, borrow against assets, and protect what is theirs, making it a foundation of property and economic systems.
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