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subcontractor

sub-kon-TRAK-tor /ˌsʌbkənˈtræktər/

nounB2IELTSTOEFL

professionallegal

An individual or business hired by a general contractor to perform a specific part of a larger project.

Operates under a secondary contract beneath the main general contractor rather than directly for the site owner.

The story behind the word. Combines 'sub' (under) with 'contractor' (from Latin 'contractus', drawn together). A subcontractor enters an agreement 'underneath' the primary legal document.

Word relationships

tradesperson: Refers to individual skilled workers, while a subcontractor is often an independent firm under contract.
vendor: Usually supplies materials or simple services rather than taking responsibility for a specific construction scope.

general contractor: The primary entity holding the master construction contract with the client.

Commonly confused with

contractor: A contractor holds the main contract; a subcontractor works under the contractor.

Word family

subcontract (verb): To assign work under a secondary contract.
subcontracting (noun): The practice of delegating work via subcontracts.

Collocations

hire a subcontractor
specialized subcontractor
subcontractor agreement
independent subcontractor

Idioms & expressions

sub out work

Example sentences

"The general contractor hired an electrical subcontractor to wire the high-rise office building." Electrical Work

Memory hook

A SUB-contractor works SUB-ordinate (under) the main contractor on a SUB-set of the job. Under the main contract for specialized jobs.

When not to use

Do not confuse with general contractors who hold the primary contract with the project developer.

Fun facts

Large infrastructure projects like bridges can employ over 500 distinct subcontractors working simultaneously.

Related words

supervise, coordinate, procurement

Explore more words

contractor, subordinate, sublease, outsourcing, subdivision, journeyman