security of tenure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Legal, Business
Quick answer
What does “security of tenure” mean?
The legal right or guarantee to occupy a property or hold a position without arbitrary removal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The legal right or guarantee to occupy a property or hold a position without arbitrary removal.
A condition of employment or property occupancy where the holder cannot be dismissed or evicted without just cause and proper legal procedures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More frequent in UK English, especially regarding property law ('tenure' of land) and academic appointments. In US English, often specific to academic 'tenure' or public-sector employment rights.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with landlord-tenant law and protected tenancies. US: Primarily connotes academic freedom and job protection for professors.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK legal and property contexts. In US, almost exclusively in higher education and some government employment discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “security of tenure” in a Sentence
[Person/Institution] + grant + security of tenure + to + [tenant/employee][Tenant/Employee] + enjoy + security of tenureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “security of tenure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council agreed to tenure the long-standing tenant.
American English
- The university voted to tenure the associate professor.
adverb
British English
- The property is held tenurely under the old act.
American English
- The position is granted tenurely upon review.
adjective
British English
- They sought a tenured position with the housing association.
American English
- She is a tenured professor at the college.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in contracts for senior executives with long-term guaranteed positions.
Academic
Common. Refers to the permanent appointment of a professor, protecting academic freedom.
Everyday
Very rare. Typically only in discussions of housing rights or rare job contexts.
Technical
Core term in property law and employment law, with precise statutory definitions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “security of tenure”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “security of tenure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “security of tenure”
- Using 'tenure' alone to mean 'security of tenure' (tenure can be short).
- Confusing with 'security' in the sense of guards or alarms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It means you cannot be removed arbitrarily or without just cause (e.g., misconduct, non-payment of rent) and typically requires a formal legal process.
Not exactly. 'Tenure' refers to the holding of a position or property. 'Security of tenure' specifically refers to the legal protections associated with that holding.
No. It is a specialist term used primarily in legal, academic, and professional discussions about property or employment rights.
Typically no. The phrase is used from the perspective of the tenant or employee who holds the right, not the grantor (landlord, employer).
The legal right or guarantee to occupy a property or hold a position without arbitrary removal.
Security of tenure is usually formal, academic, legal, business in register.
Security of tenure: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkjʊərɪti əv ˈtɛnjə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈkjʊrəti əv ˈtɛnjər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tenure for life”
- “iron-clad tenure”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TENANT who is SURE (secure) they can stay in their home or job.
Conceptual Metaphor
TENURE IS A SHIELD (against dismissal/eviction).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'security of tenure' LEAST likely to be used?