'dual-leadership' originates from Modern English, formed as a compound of 'dual' and 'leadership'. 'dual' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dualis' (from 'duo'), where 'duo' meant 'two'. 'leadership' comes from Old English roots: the noun 'leader' (from verb 'lǣdan' meaning 'to lead') combined with the suffix '-ship' meaning 'state or condition'.

'dual' entered English via Latin (with Old French influences) and stabilized as 'dual' in Middle/Modern English; 'leadership' developed from Old English 'lǣdere' (a person who leads) plus the suffix '-ship', eventually forming the modern noun 'leadership'. The compound 'dual-leadership' is a modern English formation combining these elements.

Initially, the components meant 'two' (for 'dual') and 'the act or position of leading' (for 'leadership'); over time the compound evolved to mean 'a leadership arrangement shared by two people' in organizational contexts.