in a subordinate position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a subordinate position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is lower in rank, status, or importance compared to another. Example: "In many organizations, employees often find themselves in a subordinate position to their managers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Women are in a subordinate position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Many of them don't realize they are being kept in a subordinate position, so they don't protest.

The New York Times

"We don't see the beneficiaries of these institutions as somebody in a subordinate position," Dr. Frenk said.

The New York Times

Men can tolerate a woman in physics as long as she is in a subordinate position, but many cannot tolerate a woman above them".

The New York Times - Science

Both exceptional women had to reckon with the "push and pull of combining professional life and motherhood, and the challenges of having a husband in a subordinate position".

The New York Times

"Those who deprive women of their rights, limit their freedom or place them in a subordinate position believe that the political cost of doing so is very low".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Women "in a subordinate capacity," ideally "young and attractive".

Huffington Post

It looks like slightly bookish pop art until you really look, and then you realize the trained eye of a classicist has uncovered essential truths about the mechanisms of seeing and the nature of what is seen - which the artist has woven into a subordinate position in a highly subjective matrix.

Huffington Post

Especially striking in the top panel of the left door, opening the whole cycle, is the way in which Ghiberti has put Eve center stage in the creation story — relegating the giving of life to Adam to a subordinate position in the left-hand side of the panel — and giving birth to perhaps the first of those graceful, self-possessed Florentine female nudes that Botticelli would later celebrate.

The New York Times - Arts

Other rituals of the Celestial Masters were allowed to continue in use among the Maoshan adepts but were relegated to a subordinate position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One: The classic tradition of utopia thrives on the revaluation of human work, which was granted a subordinate position in the hierarchy of values by its forerunners, namely Plato's "Politeia".

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a subordinate position" to clearly and directly indicate a lower rank or level of authority. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts when describing hierarchical relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "in a subordinate position" when you mean someone is incompetent or incapable. The phrase describes a structural relationship, not necessarily a lack of skill or intelligence. People "in a subordinate position" can still be highly skilled and valuable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a subordinate position" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It typically indicates the state or condition of being lower in rank or authority, often specifying how an individual or entity relates to others within a hierarchical structure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a subordinate position" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a lower rank or level of authority, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's prevalent across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its broad applicability. While it accurately portrays hierarchical relationships, it's crucial to avoid conflating subordination with incompetence. Alternatives like "in an inferior role" or "lower in the hierarchy" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When writing, use this phrase judiciously to depict structural relationships without implying negative attributes about the individuals involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an inferior role

Replaces "position" with "role", emphasizing the function rather than the status.

under someone's command

Focuses on the direct authority relationship, implying obedience.

lower in the hierarchy

Highlights the hierarchical structure and relative placement.

subservient to

Emphasizes a more compliant and obedient relationship.

junior to

Indicates a lower level of seniority or experience.

under the authority of

Stresses the power dynamic and source of control.

in a less powerful position

Replaces "subordinate" with a more direct description of power dynamics.

at a disadvantage

Focuses on the negative implications of being in a lower position.

second in command

Suggests a specific role as the next in line, still subordinate.

following orders

Highlights the action of taking direction from someone with more authority.

FAQs

How can I use "in a subordinate position" in a sentence?

You can use "in a subordinate position" to describe someone or something that is lower in rank, status, or importance compared to another. For example, "Employees often find themselves in a subordinate position to their managers".

What are some alternatives to "in a subordinate position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in an inferior role", "lower in the hierarchy", or "subservient to".

Is it always negative to be "in a subordinate position"?

Not necessarily. While it implies less authority, being "in a subordinate position" is a neutral description of a hierarchical structure. It doesn't inherently mean the situation is negative or undesirable.

What is the difference between "in a subordinate position" and "in a leadership role"?

"In a subordinate position" implies a lower rank and following instructions, while "in a leadership role" means guiding and directing others. They are contrasting positions within a hierarchy.