tenure
Say it: TEN-yuh /ˈtɛnjɚ/ · noun
What “tenure” means
The time someone spends in a job or position.
More precisely: The period during which someone holds a job or position.
Example: “During her tenure as manager, staff turnover dropped sharply.”
When to use it
In fairly formal workplace talk, when looking back at the period someone held a particular role.
It can also mean
In academia, it can mean permanent employment that protects a lecturer's job.
Similar words
term, incumbency, time in office
Where it comes from
From Latin tenere, "to hold."
Quick check
Priya was director from her appointment until retirement, a period lasting twelve years. What describes that period?
her tenure or her seniority?
Show the answer
her tenure
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