subordinate
Lower in rank, power, or position (adjective); a person under the authority or control of another (noun); to treat as less important (verb).
As a noun/adjective (pronounced suh-BOR-din-it), it refers to administrative status. As a verb (pronounced suh-BOR-din-ayt), it means placing something in a secondary role.
Word relationships
- underling: 'Underling' carries a dismissive, disrespectful tone, whereas 'subordinate' is neutral and professional.
- inferior: 'Inferior' implies lower intrinsic quality or worth, whereas 'subordinate' strictly denotes lower rank in a hierarchy.
- superior: 'Superior' refers to a person of higher rank, status, or authority.
- supervisor: 'Supervisor' is the official manager overseeing subordinates.
Commonly confused with
- insubordinate: 'Insubordinate' is an adjective meaning disobedient to authority; 'subordinate' means occupying a lower rank.
Word family
- subordination (noun): The state of being in a lower rank or under authority.
- insubordination (noun): Refusal to obey orders or authority.
Collocations
- subordinate staff
- subordinate role
- direct subordinate
- subordinate interests
Idioms & expressions
- play second fiddle
- under one's thumb
Example sentences
- "A good manager listens to constructive feedback from every subordinate rather than giving autocratic commands." Administrative hierarchy management
- "The CEO chose to subordinate short-term quarterly profits to long-term research and expansion." Strategic corporate planning
Memory hook
Subordinate stays SUB (under) the ORDINARY order of command. Placed in a lower rank or under authority.
When not to use
Do not use subordinate as a derogatory slur; it is an objective administrative term describing organizational rank.
Fun facts
- In English grammar, a 'subordinate clause' cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because its meaning depends on the main clause.
Related words
Explore more words
relegate, delegate, colleague, allegiance, collateral, submissive
Also appears in
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