adjective
leading
Most important, prominent, or successful.
She is a leading expert on childhood nutrition.
Etymology
Lead supplies the image of being at the front. The participial adjective applies that position to prominence, importance, or success rather than only physical order.
More examples
- Cost is the leading reason people cancel their memberships.
- The company hires leading scientists to develop new treatments.
- He plays a leading role in the neighborhood cleanup.
Forms
leading
leader noun — A person or organization foremost in a field.