Supervisory/ˌsuːpərˈvaɪzəri/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Leadership Tone Often implies a leadership quality or authority within a job or group. Under her supervisory leadership, the project succeeded. Pro Tip 2/3Workplace Context Primarily used in professional or organizational settings to describe a role. In his supervisory position, he oversaw the entire department. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Boss Can refer to part-time or temporary oversight, not just top-level managers. She has supervisory responsibilities during her shift.