subordinate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subordinate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to someone or something that is lower in rank or position, often in relation to a hierarchy. Example: "In the corporate structure, a manager oversees several subordinate employees who report directly to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: How Sepp Blatter won the hearts and minds of Africa to ride out Fifa storms Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigerian football association, said Blatter could not be held responsible for the actions of subordinate officials.

The Guardian - Sport

Several editions of the Guinness Book of Records list Donaudampfschiffahrtselektrizitätenhaupt-betriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft, (why, the association for subordinate officials of the head office management of the Danube steamboat electrical services, of course) as the longest compound in the German language, even if there's no evidence that such an association ever existed in real life.

The Guardian

I was on a great polysyllabic spree, a grand tour round the glories of the subordinate clause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for quite a while there was this idea where you had one central figure at the top that parliament and state institutions were subordinate to," said Sabry.

The Guardian

Every other consideration is now subordinate to this task.

The Guardian - Opinion

The aim of the government is to subordinate the media, as a whole if possible, to the political executive.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a recent interview with South African talk-show host Dali Tambo, he blamed the Gukurahundi killings on armed bandits coordinated by Zapu and a few subordinate, North Korean trained, Fifth Brigade soldiers.

The Guardian

"Les Paradis Artificiels" concludes with a section entitled "Morale" in which Baudelaire says that while hashish certainly enhances the imagination and thus creativity, it is highly dangerous to subordinate all such processes to the drug.

The Guardian - Books

That's right, the minister for women, and thus the portfolio she holds, is subordinate to a man.

The Guardian

They often encourage dress codes like "slag and drag" or "CEOs and corporate hoes", which perpetuate the subordinate status of women and the dominant role of men in society.

The Guardian

The latest candidate, Philippe Dauman, has now been shoved aside in favour of the 55-year-old Mr Karmazin, and is to leave Viacom.If Mr Redstone is not the ideal boss, neither is Mr Karmazin the perfect subordinate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subordinate" to clearly define hierarchical relationships in organizations or systems, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "subordinate" in casual conversations or writing, as it can sound overly formal or hierarchical. Opt for more casual alternatives like "junior" or "lower-level" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "subordinate" functions primarily as an adjective, describing something or someone as lower in rank, position, or importance. It can also function as a noun, referring to a person who is under the authority of another. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subordinate" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to denote lower rank, dependency, or secondary importance. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically sound and widely used, as evidenced by its frequent occurrence in news, business, and formal contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's best to avoid it in casual settings. When writing, use "subordinate" to establish clear hierarchical relationships. Alternatives include "junior", "lower-ranking", and "dependent". Be aware of the typical error of overusing it in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower-ranking

Indicates a position of less authority within a hierarchy.

junior

Refers to someone with less experience or a lower position in a company or organization.

lesser

Implies a smaller degree of importance or quality.

dependent

Highlights the reliance of one thing on another.

secondary

Suggests a role of less importance or priority.

ancillary

Describes something that provides support or assistance to the primary thing.

inferior

Conveys a sense of lower quality or status.

underling

Informal term for someone in a lower position who takes orders from someone else.

subservient

Highlights obedience and willingness to comply with the wishes of others.

conditional

Emphasizes the dependence of something on certain terms or conditions.

FAQs

How to use "subordinate" in a sentence?

You can use "subordinate" to describe something that is lower in rank or position. For example, "The minister for women is "subordinate to" a man". It can also describe a clause. For example, "'Before John arrived' is a subordinate clause."

What can I say instead of "subordinate"?

You can use alternatives like "junior", "lower-ranking", or "dependent" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "subordinate to" or "subordinate than"?

"Subordinate" is typically followed by the preposition "to". Therefore, "subordinate to" is the correct usage. An example would be to say the minister is "subordinate to" her manager.

What's the difference between "subordinate" and "subsidiary"?

"Subordinate" generally refers to a lower rank or position within a hierarchy, while "subsidiary" refers to a company controlled by another company. Although both words imply a degree of dependence, "subsidiary" is most commonly used in business contexts.