secretary-general

The secretary-general addresses the assembly at the United Nations headquarters.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Chief administrative officer: A "secretary-general" is the highest-ranking official or executive head of an international organization, such as the United Nations, or of certain political parties, unions, or associations. This role involves overseeing administration, representing the organization, and implementing policy.

Usage Examples

• (The chief executive of the UN gave a speech.)
• (She became the highest administrative leader of the party.)
• (The document from the top official stated annual objectives.)

Advanced Usage

• "to serve as secretary-general": to hold the position of chief administrator.

  • He served as secretary-general for two consecutive terms. (He held the role for two full periods.)

• "the secretary-general's office": the administrative unit or staff supporting the secretary-general.

  • The secretary-general's office released a statement on the crisis. (The official body under the secretary-general issued a comment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Secretary (n): a person who handles correspondence, records, and administrative tasks.

  • The secretary typed the meeting minutes. (An administrative assistant performed clerical duties.)

• General (adj): involving or affecting all or most people or things; not specific.

  • The general election decides the national government. (An election involving all voters.)

• Secretaryship (n): the position or term of a secretary.

  • Her secretaryship lasted five years. (Her time as secretary was five years.)

Synonyms

• Chief executive: the highest-ranking officer in an organization.
• Director-general: a similar high-ranking administrative role in some organizations.
• Executive head: a leader responsible for overall management.

Related Idioms

• "To be the secretary-general": to hold the top administrative post.
  • After years of service, he became the secretary-general of the trade union. (He attained the highest administrative position.)

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly applicable: This noun is not commonly used with phrasal verbs. However, related verb phrases include:

  • Appoint as secretary-general: to officially assign someone to this role.

    • The committee appointed her as secretary-general. (They formally gave her the top administrative job.)

  • Serve as secretary-general: to perform the duties of this role.

    • He served as secretary-general during a period of reform. (He acted as chief administrator.)