Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense manages, present participle managing, past tense, past participle managed
1. verb
If you manage an organization, business, or system, or the people who work in it, you are responsible for controlling them.
Within two years he was managing the store. [VERB noun]
Most factories in the area are obsolete and badly managed. [beVERB-ed]
There is a lack of confidence in the government's ability to manage the economy. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: be in charge of, run, handle, rule More Synonyms of manage
2. verb
If you manage time, money, or other resources, you deal with them carefully and do not waste them.
In a busy world, managing your time is increasingly important. [VERB noun]
Josh expects me to manage all the household expenses on very little. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: organize, use, handle, govern More Synonyms of manage
3. verb
If you manageto do something, especially something difficult, you succeed in doing it.
Somehow, he'd managed to persuade Kay to buy one for him. [VERB to-infinitive]
I managed to pull myself up onto a wet, sloping ledge. [VERB to-infinitive]
Over the past 12 months the company has managed a 10 per cent improvement. [VERB noun]
4. verb
If you manage, you succeed in coping with a difficult situation.
She had managed perfectly well without medication for three years. [VERB]
I am managing, but I could not possibly give up work. [VERB]
How did your mother manage when your father left? [VERB]
Synonyms: cope, survive, shift, succeed More Synonyms of manage
5. verb
If you say that you can manage an amount of time or money for something, you mean that you can afford to spend that time or money on it.
This makes it ideal for those who can only manage a few hours in the morning or evening. [VERB noun]
'All right, I can manage a fiver,' McMinn said with reluctance. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: perform, do, deal with, achieve More Synonyms of manage
6. verb
If you say that someone managed a particular response, such as a laugh or a greeting, you mean that it was difficult for them to do it because they were feeling sad or upset.
He looked dazed as he spoke to reporters, managing only a weak smile. [VERB noun]
He managed a few sentences about his visit to the prison. [VERB noun]
Now is the time to forge ahead with all the enthusiasm and optimism that you canmanage. [VERB noun]
7.
See I will/can manage
More Synonyms of manage
manage in British English
(ˈmænɪdʒ)
verb(mainly tr)
1. (also intr)
to be in charge (of); administer
to manage one's affairs
to manage a shop
2.
to succeed in being able (to do something) despite obstacles; contrive
did you manage to go to sleep?
3.
to have room, time, etc, for
can you manage dinner tomorrow?
4.
to exercise control or domination over, often in a tactful or guileful manner
5. (intransitive)
to contrive to carry on despite difficulties, esp financial ones
he managed quite well on very little money
6.
to wield or handle (a weapon)
7. rare
to be frugal in the use of
noun
8. an archaic word for manège
Word origin
C16: from Italian maneggiare to control, train (esp horses), ultimately from Latin manus hand
manage in American English
(ˈmænɪdʒ)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈmanaged or ˈmanaging
1. Obsolete
to train (a horse) in its paces; cause to do the exercises of the manège
2.
to control the movement or behavior of; handle
3.
to have charge of; direct; administer
to manage a household
4. Rare
to use carefully; husband
5.
to get (a person) to do what one wishes, esp. by skill, tact, flattery, etc.
6.
to bring about by contriving; succeed in accomplishing
often used ironically [he managed to make a mess of it]
verb intransitive
7.
to conduct or direct affairs; carry on business
8.
to find ways to go on functioning; get along somehow; succeed in handling matters
noun Archaic
9.
manège
10.
management
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈconˌduct
Word origin
It maneggiare < mano, hand < L manus: see manual
Examples of 'manage' in a sentence
manage
This offer obliges savers to think differently about how they manage their money.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We bought a trap and managed to catch one.
The Sun (2016)
The company has managed the challenges well and is benefiting from an improvement in its fortunes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Taking out cover is one way to manage the risk.
The Sun (2016)
Another issue with selling your overseas home yourself is whether you have the time to manage the viewings and negotiations.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They are not losing ground overall, but in the prevailing vernacular they just about managing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Banks may be good at managing money (questionable?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This was a highly innovative, exceptionally well managed project with very clear objectives and benefits.
Computing (2010)
Miles more confident, miles better at managing my time.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now, we need to show people who are just about managing that we are on their side.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Today we explain how to manage money and budget properly.
The Sun (2012)
We manage the business about the same way we always did.
Christianity Today (2000)
His colleagues should respect him for being assertive and managing his time well.
Sally Gunnell, Kathryn Leigh BE YOUR BEST: How Anyone can become Fit, Healthy and Confident (2002)
That is because we are consistently well managed and moving forward.
The Sun (2008)
Only one blue chip managed to gain ground.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There were growing questions yesterday about who will manage the search if the hunt drags on.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Helps you manage the time spent on gadgets.
The Sun (2012)
It was a difficult game but we managed the match well and got the three points.
The Sun (2015)
He used to attend games regularly but these days manages just one or two a season.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Chefs rarely manage to cook well on two continents simultaneously.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
England could then manage only one of the two goals they needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Many of the policies the parties did manage to talk about were pitched at this group.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But he has managed just one minute this season since recovering from a persistent abdominal injury.
The Sun (2009)
Almost half manage to find time to exercise regularly but said that they would like to do more.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Trustees also do extensive work to ensure that the insurance companies they place business with are financially strong and well managed.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The funds buy and sell physical stockpiles depending on the amount of investors' money they manage.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It's another difficulty for older people when trying to manage what little money they do have.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Surprisingly, we manage to make time for each other.
The Sun (2012)
In other languages
manage
British English: manage /ˈmænɪdʒ/ VERB
If you manage an organization, business, or system, or the people who work in it, you are responsible for controlling them.
Most factories in the area are obsolete and badly managed.
American English: manage
Arabic: يُدِيرُ
Brazilian Portuguese: gerenciar
Chinese: 管理
Croatian: upravljati
Czech: řídit organizaci
Danish: klare
Dutch: beheren leiden
European Spanish: gestionar
Finnish: pystyä
French: gérer
German: schaffen vollbringen
Greek: καταφέρνω
Italian: riuscire
Japanese: うまく･･･する
Korean: 관리하다
Norwegian: klare
Polish: zarządzić
European Portuguese: conseguir
Romanian: a gestiona
Russian: управлять
Latin American Spanish: gestionar
Swedish: klara av
Thai: จัดการ
Turkish: başarmak
Ukrainian: керувати
Vietnamese: quản lý
Definition of 'manage'
Chinese translation of 'manage'
manage
(ˈmænɪdʒ)
vt
(= run, control)[business, shop, time, money]管理 (guǎnlǐ)
vi
(= cope) 应(應)付 (yìngfù)
to manage to do sth设(設)法做到某事 (shèfǎ zuòdào mǒushì)
to manage without sb/sth在没(沒)有某人/某物的情况(況)下设(設)法对(對)付过(過)去 (zài méiyǒu mǒurén/mǒuwù de qíngkuàng xià shèfǎ duìfu guòqù)
he managed a smile他勉强(強)一笑 (tā miǎnqiǎng yī xiào)
1 (verb)
Definition
to be in charge of
Within two years, he was managing the store.
Synonyms
be in charge of
run
His father ran a prosperous business.
handle
rule
the feudal lord who ruled this land
direct
She will direct day-to-day operations.
conduct
I decided to conduct an experiment.
command
the French general who commands the UN troops in the region
govern
They go to the polls on Friday to choose the people they want to govern their country.
administer
Next summer's exams will be straightforward to administer.
oversee
Get a surveyor to oversee and inspect the various stages of the work.
supervise
One of his jobs was supervising the dining room.
preside over
be head of
call the shots in
superintend
During the interval, he superintended a prize draw.
call the tune in
2 (verb)
Definition
to be in charge of
Managing your time is increasingly important.
Synonyms
organize
use
handle
She handled travel arrangements for the press corps.
govern
Try to govern your temper.
regulate
a powerful body to regulate the stock market
3 (verb)
Definition
to struggle on despite difficulties, esp. financial ones
How did your mother manage when your sister left for university?
Synonyms
cope
He coped really well in difficult circumstances.
survive
shift
succeed
the skills and qualities needed to succeed
get on
I asked how he was getting on.
carry on
fare
He was not faring well.
get through
make out
He wondered how they were making out.
cut it (informal)
get along
You can't get along without money.
make do
It's not going to be easy but I can make do.
get by (informal)
I'm a survivor. I'll get by.
crack it (informal)
muddle through
4 (verb)
those who can only manage a few hours of work
Synonyms
perform
people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery
do
I was trying to do some work.
deal with
achieve
There are many who will work hard to achieve these goals.
carry out
undertake
cope with
accomplish
If we all work together, I think we can accomplish our goal.
contrive
Somehow he contrived to pass her a note without the teacher seeing it.
finish off
bring about or off
5 (verb)
Definition
to keep under control
Her daughter couldn't manage the horse.
Synonyms
control
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.
You should not let other people control you.
influence
What you eat may influence your risk of getting cancer.
guide
She guided the plane down the runway and took off.
handle
One report said the aircraft would become difficult to handle.
master
His genius alone has mastered every crisis.
dominate
No company should be permitted to dominate the market.
manipulate
He's a very difficult character. He manipulates people.
She was unable, for once, to manipulate events.
6 (verb)
managing a car well in bad conditions
Synonyms
steer
What is it like to steer a ship of this size?
operate
Until his death he owned and operated a huge company.
pilot
Local fishermen piloted the boats.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of accomplish
Definition
to complete
If we all work together, I think we can accomplish our goal.
Synonyms
realize,
produce,
effect,
finish,
complete,
manage,
achieve,
perform,
carry out,
conclude,
fulfil,
execute,
bring about,
attain,
consummate,
bring off (informal),
do,
effectuate,
put the tin lid on
in the sense of achieve
Definition
to gain by hard work or effort
There are many who will work hard to achieve these goals.
Synonyms
accomplish,
reach,
fulfil,
finish,
complete,
gain,
perform,
earn,
do,
get,
win,
carry out,
realize,
obtain,
conclude,
acquire,
execute,
bring about,
attain,
consummate,
procure,
bring off (informal),
effectuate,
put the tin lid on
in the sense of administer
Definition
to manage (an organization or estate)
Next summer's exams will be straightforward to administer.
Synonyms
manage,
run,
control,
rule,
direct,
handle,
conduct,
command,
govern,
oversee,
supervise,
preside over,
be in charge of,
superintend
Synonyms of 'manage'
manage
Explore 'manage' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of command
Definition
to have authority over
the French general who commands the UN troops in the region
Synonyms
have authority over,
lead,
head,
control,
rule,
manage,
handle,
dominate,
govern,
administer,
supervise,
be in charge of,
reign over
in the sense of conduct
Definition
to carry out
I decided to conduct an experiment.
Synonyms
carry out,
run,
control,
manage,
direct,
handle,
organize,
govern,
regulate,
administer,
supervise,
preside over
in the sense of contrive
Somehow he contrived to pass her a note without the teacher seeing it.
Synonyms
manage,
succeed,
arrange,
manoeuvre
in the sense of direct
Definition
to conduct or control the affairs of
She will direct day-to-day operations.
Synonyms
control,
run,
manage,
lead,
rule,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
advise,
govern,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
dispose,
preside over,
mastermind,
call the shots,
call the tune,
superintend
in the sense of do
Definition
to improve
I was trying to do some work.
Synonyms
perform,
work,
achieve,
carry out,
produce,
effect,
complete,
conclude,
undertake,
accomplish,
execute,
discharge,
pull off,
transact
in the sense of dominate
Definition
to control or govern
No company should be permitted to dominate the market.
Synonyms
control,
lead,
rule,
direct,
master,
govern,
monopolize,
tyrannize,
have the upper hand over,
lead by the nose (informal),
overbear,
have the whip hand over,
domineer,
keep under your thumb
in the sense of fare
Definition
to get on (in a specified way)
He was not faring well.
Synonyms
get on,
do,
manage,
make out,
prosper,
get along
in the sense of get along
You can't get along without money.
Synonyms
cope,
manage,
survive,
progress,
get on,
fare,
make out (informal),
make do,
get by (informal)
in the sense of get by
Definition
to manage in spite of difficulties
I'm a survivor. I'll get by.
Synonyms
manage,
survive,
cope,
fare,
get through,
exist,
make out,
get along,
make do,
subsist,
muddle through,
keep your head above water,
make both ends meet
in the sense of get on
Definition
to make progress
I asked how he was getting on.
Synonyms
progress,
manage,
cope,
fare,
advance,
succeed,
make out (informal),
prosper,
cut it (informal),
get along
Additional synonyms
in the sense of govern
Definition
to direct and control the policy and affairs of (a country or an organization)
They go to the polls on Friday to choose the people they want to govern their country.
Synonyms
rule,
lead,
control,
command,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
order,
reign over,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
be in power over,
call the shots,
call the tune,
hold sway over,
superintend
in the sense of govern
Try to govern your temper.
Synonyms
restrain,
control,
check,
contain,
master,
discipline,
regulate,
curb,
inhibit,
tame,
subdue,
get the better of,
bridle,
hold in check,
keep a tight rein on
in the sense of guide
Definition
to control the movement or course of
She guided the plane down the runway and took off.
Synonyms
steer,
control,
manage,
direct,
handle,
command,
manoeuvre
in the sense of handle
Definition
to have responsibility for
She handled travel arrangements for the press corps.
Synonyms
deal with,
manage,
take care of,
administer,
conduct,
supervise
in the sense of handle
Definition
to hold, move, operate, or touch with the hands
One report said the aircraft would become difficult to handle.
Synonyms
control,
manage,
direct,
operate,
guide,
use,
steer,
manipulate,
manoeuvre,
wield
in the sense of influence
Definition
to have an effect upon (actions or events)
What you eat may influence your risk of getting cancer.
Synonyms
affect,
have an effect on,
have an impact on,
control,
concern,
direct,
guide,
impact on,
modify,
bear upon,
impinge upon,
act or work upon
in the sense of make do
Definition
to manage with an inferior alternative
It's not going to be easy but I can make do.
Synonyms
manage,
cope,
improvise,
muddle through,
get along or by,
scrape along or by
in the sense of make out
Definition
to manage or get on
He wondered how they were making out.
Synonyms
fare,
manage,
do,
succeed,
cope,
get on,
proceed,
thrive,
prosper
in the sense of manipulate
Definition
to control something or someone cleverly or deviously
He's a very difficult character. He manipulates people.She was unable, for once, to manipulate events.
Synonyms
influence,
control,
direct,
guide,
conduct,
negotiate,
exploit,
steer,
manoeuvre,
do a number on (US),
twist around your little finger
in the sense of master
His genius alone has mastered every crisis.
Synonyms
control,
manage,
direct,
dominate,
rule,
command,
govern,
regulate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of operate
Definition
to manage, direct, or run (a business or system)
Until his death he owned and operated a huge company.
Synonyms
manage,
run,
direct,
handle,
govern,
oversee,
supervise,
preside over,
be in charge of,
call the shots in,
superintend,
call the tune in
in the sense of oversee
Definition
to watch over and direct (someone or something)
Get a surveyor to oversee and inspect the various stages of the work.
Synonyms
supervise,
run,
control,
manage,
direct,
handle,
conduct,
look after,
be responsible for,
administer,
inspect,
preside over,
keep an eye on,
be on duty at,
superintend,
have or be in charge of
in the sense of pilot
Definition
to act as pilot of
Local fishermen piloted the boats.
Synonyms
navigate,
drive,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
steer
in the sense of regulate
Definition
to control by means of rules
a powerful body to regulate the stock market
Synonyms
control,
run,
order,
rule,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
arrange,
monitor,
organize,
govern,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
systematize,
superintend
in the sense of rule
Definition
to govern (people or a political unit)
the feudal lord who ruled this land
Synonyms
govern,
lead,
control,
manage,
direct,
guide,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
preside over,
have power over,
reign over,
command over,
have charge of
in the sense of run
Definition
to manage
His father ran a prosperous business.
Synonyms
manage,
lead,
direct,
be in charge of,
own,
head,
control,
boss (informal),
operate,
handle,
conduct,
look after,
carry on,
regulate,
take care of,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
mastermind,
coordinate,
superintend
in the sense of shift
Synonyms
manage,
plan,
scheme,
assume,
look after,
devise,
take care of,
fend,
contrive,
get along,
make do
in the sense of succeed
Definition
to do well in a specified field
the skills and qualities needed to succeed
Synonyms
make it (informal),
do well,
be successful,
arrive (informal),
triumph,
thrive,
flourish,
make good,
prosper,
cut it (informal),
make the grade (informal),
get to the top,
crack it (informal),
hit the jackpot (informal),
bring home the bacon (informal),
make your mark (informal),
gain your end,
carry all before you,
do all right for yourself
in the sense of superintend
Definition
to supervise (a person or an activity)
During the interval, he superintended a prize draw.
Synonyms
supervise,
run,
oversee,
control,
manage,
direct,
handle,
look after,
overlook,
administer,
inspect
in the sense of supervise
Definition
to direct the performance or operation of (an activity or a process)