ledende

Ledende is a Norwegian adjective meaning "leading" or "at the forefront." It describes individuals, organizations, technologies, or ideas that hold a leading position within a field or context. The word derives from the verb lede ("to lead") and is formed as the present participle with the suffix -ende. In everyday and professional use it appears in phrases such as ledende selskaper (leading companies), ledende teknologier (leading technologies), or en ledende rolle (a leading role). The term is common in Norwegian and Danish, where it is spelled ledende; in Swedish the cognate form is ledande.

In law and journalism, "ledende" is also used in the sense of "leading," as in leading questions. This usage points to questions that suggest a particular answer. While the concept exists across Scandinavian languages, usage may vary by genre, with more formal or promotional contexts using ledende to imply authority or prominence. Overall, ledende carries a neutral to positive connotation, signaling status, innovation, or influence within a domain.