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stewardship

STOO-erd-ship /ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/

nounC1GMATIELTS

FormalProfessional

The job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property.

Implies that the person doesn't own what they are caring for; they are managing it for the benefit of others or future generations.

The story behind the word. The word comes from 'stig' (a house or hall) and 'weard' (a guard or warden). Originally, the steward was the person who managed the household and food for a noble. It evolved to mean anyone who manages affairs for another.

Word relationships

guardianship: Guardianship often refers to caring for a person; stewardship refers to caring for resources or organizations.
management: Management is neutral; stewardship implies a moral or ethical duty to care for the resource.

neglect: Neglect is the failure to care for something, the opposite of stewardship.
exploitation: Exploitation is using a resource selfishly, whereas stewardship is caring for it selflessly.

Commonly confused with

ownership: Owners can do what they want; stewards must act in the best interest of the 'true' owner or the collective.

Word family

steward (noun): A person who looks after the passengers on a ship, aircraft, or train, or manages an estate.

Collocations

environmental stewardship
financial stewardship
responsible stewardship
land stewardship

Example sentences

"Environmental stewardship requires us to protect the planet's resources for our children." Environmental responsibility.
"The board of directors is responsible for the financial stewardship of the company's assets." Corporate governance.

Memory hook

A Steward 'Wards' (guards) the 'Stay' (place). The hall-warden.

When not to use

Don't use it for simple ownership where no responsibility to others is involved.

Fun facts

The royal house of Stuart (Scotland/England) got its name because their ancestors were the 'High Stewards' of Scotland.