What does delegation mean?
Delegation has two closely related but distinct meanings. In its most common modern use, it refers to the act of entrusting a task, responsibility, or authority to another person — usually a subordinate — so that work can be shared or handled at an appropriate level. In this sense it is uncountable and figures prominently in management thinking, where effective delegation is regarded as a core leadership skill: it frees senior people to focus on higher priorities while developing the capabilities of their teams. The word also denotes a group of people officially chosen to represent a larger body, such as a nation, political party, or organization, particularly at a conference or negotiation. This second sense is common in diplomacy and politics. Both senses derive from the Latin delegare, meaning to send away with a commission, via late Latin delegatio. Delegation is a formal-to-neutral word, standard in both British and American English.
The act of entrusting a task, duty, or authority to another person, especially one who is junior or subordinate.
"Delegation is essential if a manager hopes to scale beyond what any one person can accomplish alone."
Typically uncountable in this sense.
A group of people chosen or appointed to represent a larger group, country, or organization, especially at a conference or meeting.
"A delegation from the union met with management to present their proposals."
Countable in this sense; plural form is 'delegations'.
The plural applies only to the countable sense referring to groups of representatives. The sense describing the act of entrusting tasks is uncountable and has no plural.
"Delegations from over forty countries attended the summit."
The word delegation traces back to the Latin legare — 'to send with a commission' — the same root that gives us 'legate' and even 'legislate', so every time you delegate, you are literally sending someone on an official mission.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of delegation
Delegation comes from the Latin verb delegare, formed from de- ('away') plus legare ('to send with a commission, to appoint as an envoy'), which itself derives from lex, legis ('law'). It entered English in the early seventeenth century through late Latin delegatio. The same Latin root gives us delegate, legate, relegate, and legislate, all preserving the idea of formally sending or appointing someone for an official purpose.
Related word forms
How delegation is actually used
In business and management contexts, delegation is usually uncountable and carries a positive connotation of trust and efficiency. In diplomatic or political contexts it is typically countable and refers to the group of envoys themselves. The verb form 'delegate' (to entrust a task) is pronounced differently, with stress on the first syllable (/ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/), while the noun carries stress on the third syllable.
Easily confused with delegation
As a countable noun, a delegation is the group of representatives itself, whereas as an uncountable noun it is the act of handing over tasks or authority.