submissive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'submissive' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is mostly used to refer to someone who is willing to obey or yield to the authority of another. For example, "The submissive employee followed the instructions without question".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The leaders of the three main parties had to play the submissive, smiling politely as the flesh was flayed off them.

The Guardian

In the circumstances "being seen in an evening gown with President Obama" risked seeming "submissive and weak", according to Oliver Stuenkel, an international-relations specialist at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, a university.

The Economist

The shameful cheerleading of a submissive Congress and news media for this enterprise at a time when courage was truly called for makes you complicit.

The Economist

He has a talent for throwing red meat to Republicans, saying Mr Obama wants to "abandon America's free enterprise economy" and make foreign policy "submissive".

The Economist

According to Time magazine, which first disclosed that Ms Wolf was advising Mr Gore, one tip she offered the vice-president was that he needed to transform himself from a submissive "beta male" into a tooth-baring "alpha male" if he was ever to shake himself free of Bill Clinton and take over as top dog.

The Economist

Non-belief in Christianity certainly is a disqualification for public office in many states, and Democrats are just as submissive in accepting this ground rule as Republicans.

The Economist

In each case, it located one or two dog owners who kept a number of animals of the same breed, and were willing to have them observed interacting with each other for a few hours.The researchers decided to concentrate on aggressive and submissive signals, because they found that these could be stimulated fairly easily, for example by introducing food, toys and unfamiliar dogs into a group.

The Economist

Twelve years ago our institutions were at a weak point because of the submissive power of cocaine-fuelled terrorists.

The Economist

Women who don Islamic garb are often pitied for their submissive lives behind the veil.

The Economist

CORROSIVE corruption, submissive courts, poverty lapping at the gates of presidential palaces: the parallels between the regimes of Central Asia's autocrats and that of the fallen Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, are uncomfortably plain.

The Economist

CRIPPLING corruption, submissive courts, poverty lapping at the gates of ostentatious presidential palaces the parallels between the regimes of Central Asia's dictators and that of the fallen Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, are uncomfortably plain.The events in Ukraine pose at least two worries for the ageing strongmen of Central Asia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative terms like "obedient" or "compliant" if you want to convey a similar meaning without the baggage often associated with "submissive".

Common error

Avoid conflating passivity with being "submissive". Passivity implies a lack of action or resistance, while "submissive" suggests active yielding to authority. Using them interchangeably can lead to misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The word "submissive" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a noun's quality of being obedient, passive, or yielding to authority. Ludwig shows various examples where "submissive" modifies nouns like 'Congress', 'courts', or 'behavior', clarifying their nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "submissive" is a grammatically correct adjective frequently used across various contexts to describe someone or something that yields to authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While "submissive" appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, its usage requires careful consideration due to potential negative connotations. Alternatives like "obedient" or "compliant" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. It's important to avoid confusing passivity with being "submissive", as the latter implies an active yielding to control. By understanding its nuances and potential implications, writers can use "submissive" effectively and responsibly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obedient

Indicates compliance with commands or instructions.

docile

Suggests a quiet, easily managed, and compliant nature.

compliant

Implies a willingness to adhere to rules or requests.

acquiescent

Indicates a reluctant acceptance without protest.

yielding

Suggests giving way to pressure or influence.

deferential

Implies showing respect and submission to someone of higher status.

servile

Indicates an excessive willingness to serve or please others.

subservient

Suggests a lower rank and a willingness to obey without question.

tame

Implies being brought under control or domestication.

pliant

Suggests flexibility and easily influenced.

FAQs

How can I use "submissive" in a sentence?

You can use "submissive" to describe someone or something that yields to authority or control. For example: "The dog displayed "submissive behavior" towards its owner". Be careful of negative connotations.

What is a less loaded alternative to "submissive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "obedient", "compliant", or "deferential" to avoid negative interpretations.

What is the difference between "submissive" and "servile"?

"Submissive" generally implies yielding to authority, while "servile" suggests an excessive willingness to please, often associated with lower status or lack of self-respect. Servile carries a stronger negative connotation.

Is it appropriate to use "submissive" in a professional context?

Using "submissive" in a professional context can be tricky and may be perceived negatively, especially when describing employees. Consider using terms like "cooperative" or "responsive" instead.