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hierarchy

HY-er-ar-kee /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/

nounC1GRESAT

formalneutral

A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

Implies a structured order, often with clear levels of power, influence, or importance. Can be formal (like a company structure) or informal (like a social pecking order).

The story behind the word. The word 'hierarchy' has a sacred origin! It comes from the Greek words 'hieros,' meaning 'sacred,' and 'arkhein,' meaning 'to rule.' It was first used to describe the graded system of clergy in the early Christian Church, with bishops and priests ranked in order of authority. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe any system where people or things are ranked according to status or authority, from corporate ladders to social pecking orders.

Word relationships

pecking order: More informal, often used for social or informal rankings.
ranking: A general term for ordering by status or importance.
structure: A broader term for how something is organized, not necessarily implying rank.

anarchy: Absence of government or control; disorder.
equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.

Commonly confused with

network: 'Network' implies interconnectedness without a fixed vertical ranking; 'hierarchy' is explicitly about levels of authority or status.

Word family

hierarchical (adjective): Of the nature of a hierarchy; arranged in ranks.
hierarchically (adverb): In a hierarchical manner.

Collocations

social hierarchy
corporate hierarchy
strict hierarchy
pecking order hierarchy
establish a hierarchy

Example sentences

"Every school has an unspoken social hierarchy, with some students holding more influence than others." Describing social structures.
"The company's rigid hierarchy made it difficult for junior employees to propose new ideas directly to senior management." In a corporate context.
"Many animal species exhibit a clear social hierarchy, where dominant individuals have priority access to resources." From a biology textbook.

Memory hook

Think of 'high' ranks in an 'arch' (like an archway leading to higher levels), showing a structured order. High arch ranks

When not to use

Do not use 'hierarchy' for a simple collection of items or people without any inherent ranking or power structure.

Fun facts

The concept of a 'pecking order' in animal behavior, first observed in chickens, is a classic example of a natural hierarchy.