Definitions

1. noun

the amount of freedom or scope allowed for a particular course of action; a margin of discretion or flexibility.

“The captain had to navigate through treacherous waters with very little leeway to make any mistakes.”

2. noun

the space or clearance between a ship and the land, a rock, or another ship.

“The captain had to adjust his course to avoid running aground with limited leeway.”

3. verb

to give someone more freedom or scope for a particular course of action.

“The manager decided to leeway her some extra time to complete the project.”