hierarchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hierarchy' is correct and usable in written English.
It describes a system in which people or things are organized according to their status or importance. For example, "In the company's hierarchy, the CEO is at the top and managers are below them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a Dalit, from the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy that still defines the lives, and sometimes the deaths, of millions of people in the emerging economic power.

The Guardian

Carswell has also been at loggerheads with Ukip's hierarchy over his insistence on not claiming all the parliamentary subsidies the party is now entitled to.

The Guardian

For many liberal critics, the overwhelming defeat in Tuesday's primary of Greg Brannon, the Tea Party's preferred candidate to take on incumbent Democratic senator Kay Hagan, by Thom Tillis – an establishment favourite with a conservative track record in state politics – simply proves the radical right has been assimilated by the Republican hierarchy, not vanquished.

The Guardian

"It was a way for players to understand their place in the hierarchy and to see that they could always progress - there were no glass ceilings.

The Guardian - Tech

3. Omar v the drug hierarchy First the Barksdale empire, then Marlo, Prop Joe and the co-op – Omar's vendettas are always compelling.

The Guardian

I prefer to say colleagues – hierarchy is a no-no.

The Guardian

In the last few years it has been a constantly evolving task deciding which character in Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22 the England cricket team and its massed corporate hierarchy most resemble.

The Guardian - Sport

The Iyer caste are brahmins, at the very top of the carefully graded hierarchy.

The Guardian

The most notorious of these abusers was Father Brendan Smyth, a serial sexual predator of children who even after the Catholic hierarchy learned of his crimes in the 1970s kept moving him around not only Ireland but also the United States.

The Guardian

As one Labour insider said: "Jim is very unusual amongst the Westminster hierarchy in understanding the size of the problem that Scottish Labour faces.

The Guardian

But even among the Celtic hierarchy, who wrote to the Scottish Football Association asking for an explanation (surely it is pretty obvious), there seemed little appetite to ban Meekings for the final.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hierarchy" to accurately describe ranked systems, avoiding it in contexts where the structure is not clearly defined or formally established.

Common error

Avoid using "hierarchy" to describe flat or decentralized systems. The term implies a clear ranking and structured order, which may not accurately reflect the dynamics of more egalitarian setups.

Linguistic Context

The word "hierarchy" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a system where entities are ranked or organized based on authority, status, or other criteria. Ludwig shows examples ranging from social structures to corporate organizations. In general terms Ludwig AI describes it as a system in which people or things are organized according to their status or importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hierarchy" is a versatile noun used to describe ranked systems in various contexts, from social structures to corporate organizations. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the word is correct and usable. "Hierarchy" appears very frequently in news and media, and its usage extends to business and scientific contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. When using "hierarchy", ensure the context clearly defines the basis of the ranking and avoid applying it to non-hierarchical systems. Alternatives like "ranking system" or "chain of command" can offer more specific nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ranking system

Focuses on the ordered arrangement based on specific criteria.

pecking order

Implies an informal or social ranking, often based on dominance.

power structure

Highlights the distribution of authority and control.

chain of command

Emphasizes the flow of authority from top to bottom.

organizational structure

Describes the formal arrangement of roles and responsibilities within an organization.

graded system

Focuses on the incremental levels or stages within a structure.

class system

Refers to a social stratification based on wealth, status, or other factors.

social stratification

Describes the division of society into hierarchical layers.

management structure

Specifically relates to the arrangement of managerial roles and responsibilities.

scale of importance

Focuses on the relative significance or value of different elements.

FAQs

How is "hierarchy" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "hierarchy" refers to a system or organization where entities are ranked. For example, "The company's management structure is a rigid hierarchy". You might also describe a "hierarchy" of needs or values.

What's a good alternative to the word "hierarchy"?

Depending on the context, you could use "ranking system", "chain of command", or "organizational structure" as alternatives to "hierarchy".

How does "hierarchy" differ from "leadership"?

"Hierarchy" refers to a ranked system, while "leadership" describes the act of guiding or directing a group. A hierarchy might determine who holds leadership positions, but the terms aren't interchangeable.

Is "hierarchy" always a negative concept?

Not necessarily. While "hierarchy" can imply power imbalances or rigid structures, it can also provide clarity, order, and a framework for decision-making. The value depends on the specific context and how the hierarchy is managed.