acting leader

noun

UK /ˈæk.tɪŋ ˈliː.dər/

US /ˈæk.tɪŋ ˈliː.dɚ/

A person who is in charge for a little while until the real leader comes back.

The acting leader ran the meeting while the boss was on vacation.

SYNONYMS

interim leader temporary leader stand-in leader caretaker leader

RELATED WORDS

deputy substitute successor proxy figurehead

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Someone who fills a leadership role temporarily in a government or organization.

She served as acting leader of the party during the election campaign.

3. A person who takes charge when the usual leader is absent or unable to lead.

The vice president became the acting leader after the president fell ill.

4. A placeholder who holds authority only until a permanent leader is chosen.

The board appointed an acting leader until a new director was hired.