noun

leeway

/ˈliːweɪ/ · say it: LEE·way

allowable room for freedom of action

In Nuance & Precision

In more detail

1. (noun) freedom or flexibility to do something, or permission to act without strict limits

2. (noun) sideways movement of a ship or aircraft away from its intended course

Examples

1. The teacher gave her students some leeway in choosing their essay topics.
2. The wind caused considerable leeway as the ship drifted off course.

How to use leeway

Leeway in its primary sense means freedom or flexibility within boundaries, often granted by someone in authority or built into a system. It suggests permission to act with some discretion rather than following rules rigidly. In nautical/aviation contexts, it refers to the sideways drift of a vessel or aircraft off course.

Common phrases

give someone leeway
have leeway to
some leeway for
exercise leeway
allow leeway

Synonyms

flexibility · latitude · scope · room to maneuver · slack

Opposites

restriction · constraint

Word family

leeway (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'leeway' in contexts where a simpler word like 'freedom' or 'flexibility' would be more natural, or confuse it with 'halfway' due to similar spelling.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD