tenure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic/Legal
Quick answer
What does “tenure” mean?
The holding of an office, property, or position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The holding of an office, property, or position; the period or conditions of such holding.
A permanent employment status, especially for academics or senior officials, granting job security and protection from arbitrary dismissal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is identical. The academic tenure system is more prevalent and codified in US universities. In UK property law, 'land tenure' is a common historical term.
Connotations
In both varieties, academic 'tenure' connotes high status, job security, and intellectual freedom. In wider usage, it can neutrally mean 'period in post' (e.g., 'during his tenure as CEO').
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English due to the prominence of the academic tenure system in public discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “tenure” in a Sentence
have/hold tenure (as + N)be awarded/granted tenureduring/throughout the tenure oftenure as + roletenure at + institutionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tenure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The university will tenure her next year following a successful review.
- Historically, land was tenured under specific feudal obligations.
American English
- She was tenured after six years on the tenure track.
- The law tenured the judges to ensure judicial independence.
adverb
British English
- This is not used.
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- This is not used.
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- He is a tenure-track lecturer.
- The tenure review process is rigorous.
American English
- She is a tenured professor.
- Tenure-line faculty have different service obligations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the period someone holds a senior position. 'The CEO's tenure was marked by rapid expansion.'
Academic
The central, high-stakes status of permanent professorial appointment. 'She is publishing extensively to strengthen her case for tenure.'
Everyday
Used to describe how long someone has had a job or role. 'During his tenure as club captain, they won three trophies.'
Technical
In law/property, refers to the conditions under which land or buildings are held or occupied. 'The feudal tenure of the estate was complex.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tenure”
- Mispronouncing as /təˈnjʊə(r)/.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'job' (it's a status/condition of a job).
- Confusing 'tenure track' (path to tenure) with having tenure itself.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In academia, it is a specific type of permanent contract with extraordinary job security and protections for academic freedom, often granted after a probationary 'tenure track' period.
Yes, it can be used more generally to mean 'the period during which someone holds a position', e.g., 'his tenure as CEO'. However, it retains a formal register.
A probationary academic appointment (usually as an Assistant Professor) where the individual is being evaluated for a future grant of tenure. Not achieving tenure typically means leaving the institution.
While the concept exists, the traditional UK system of 'permanent lectureships' has been largely replaced by more varied contracts. The term 'tenure' is less uniformly applied than in the US, but 'security of tenure' is still a recognised principle for established academic staff.
The holding of an office, property, or position.
Tenure is usually formal/academic/legal in register.
Tenure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛnjə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛnjər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the tenure track”
- “tenure clock”
- “tenure-stream position”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TEN-URE: You hold a position for a TENure (a period of TEN years or more, suggesting permanence).
Conceptual Metaphor
TENURE IS POSSESSION (holding onto a post). TENURE IS A SHIELD (protection from dismissal).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'tenure' used with its most specific and high-stakes meaning?