subordinate

[ adjective noun suh-bawr-dn-it; verb suh-bawr-dn-eyt ]

adjective

1. placed in or belonging to a lower order or rank.
2. of less importance; secondary.

   Synonyms: ancillary

   Antonyms: primary, superior

3. subject to or under the authority of a superior.
4. subservient or inferior.
5. subject; dependent.
6. Grammar.
   1. acting as a modifier, as when I finished, which is subordinate to They were glad in They were glad when I finished.
   2. noting or pertaining to a subordinating conjunction.
7. Obsolete. submissive.

noun

1. a subordinate person or thing.

   Synonyms: inferior

verb (used with object)

, sub·or·di·nat·ed, sub·or·di·nat·ing.

1. to place in a lower order or rank.

   Synonyms: reduce, lower

2. to make secondary (usually followed by to ):

   to subordinate work to pleasure.

3. to make subject, subservient, or dependent (usually followed by to ):

   to subordinate passion to reason.

subordinate

adjective

1. of lesser order or importance
2. under the authority or control of another

   a subordinate functionary

noun

1. a person or thing that is subordinate

verb

1. to put in a lower rank or position (than)
2. to make subservient

   to subordinate mind to heart

Derived Forms

• subˈordinative, adjective
• subˈordinately, adverb
• subˌordiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• sub·ordi·nate·ly adverb
• sub·ordi·nate·ness noun
• sub·ordi·nation sub·or·di·na·cy [s, uh, -, bawr, -dn-, uh, -see], noun
• sub·or·di·na·tive [s, uh, -, bawr, -dn-ey-tiv, -, bawr, -dn-, uh, -], adjective
• nonsub·ordi·nate adjective
• nonsub·ordi·nating adjective
• presub·ordi·nate verb (used with object) presubordinated presubordinating
• self-sub·ordi·nating adjective
• unsub·ordi·nate adjective
• unsub·ordi·native adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subordinate¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English adjective subordynat, from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, past participle of subōrdināre “to subordinate,” equivalent to Latin sub- “under, below, beneath” + ōrdin- (stem of ōrdō ) “rank, order” + -ātus past participle suffix; sub-, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of subordinate¹

C15: from Medieval Latin subordināre, from Latin sub- + ordō rank

Example Sentences

The creation of such a panel, if it came to fruition, would facilitate the purging of military leaders who were unwilling to carry out presidential orders — or those relayed by a loyal subordinate.

From Los Angeles Times

“At the beginning, my character is seriously subordinate to her powerful and terrifying older sister,” Williams says.

From Los Angeles Times

The former president’s predictions of triumph, the reporter who has covered several Republican presidential campaigns concluded, belie a sense of panic among his subordinates that "the bottom has started to fall out" in their efforts.

From Salon

“It appears to me, his only real fault was not always agreeing with his subordinates on policy,” Koretz said.

From Los Angeles Times

China and Taiwan are "not subordinate to each other", he said, adding that China "has no right to represent Taiwan".

From BBC

Related Words

• aide
• assistant
• deputy
• servant
• underling