stewardship
UK: ˈstjuːədʃɪp | US: ˈstuːərdʃɪp
n. The responsible management or care of something, especially resources or property entrusted to one.
n. The role or duties of a steward, particularly in ethical or environmental contexts.
The word "stewardship" combines "steward," derived from Old English stīweard (a compound of stig "house" + weard "guardian"), with the suffix "-ship," which denotes a condition or role. Originally referring to household management, the term evolved to emphasize ethical responsibility, particularly in environmental and organizational contexts. The morphemes reflect a progression from literal guardianship to abstract accountability.
Good stewardship of natural resources ensures sustainability for future generations.
The board emphasized financial stewardship to avoid wasteful spending.
His stewardship of the project led to its successful completion.
Environmental stewardship requires collective action from communities.
She took her role as a steward of the charity seriously, ensuring transparency in all decisions.