underling

[ uhn-der-ling ]

noun

1. a subordinate, especially one of slight importance.

   Synonyms: hireling, lackey, flunky, menial

underling

/ ˈʌndəlɪŋ /

noun

1. a subordinate or lackey

Word History and Origins

Origin of underling¹

1125–75; Middle English. See under-, -ling ¹

Example Sentences

While the geopolitical machinations rumble on, the underling success of Georgia’s second-hand car industry can be explained by its geography.

From BBC

From his prison cell at Corcoran, witnesses testified at Chavez’s trial, Estrada controlled a network of underlings who collected money and sold drugs in nearly every prison yard in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Einbinder became known to audiences as the overworked comedy writer and underling Ava Daniels on “Hacks,” the Max series starring Jean Smart, which just wrapped up its third and most acclaimed season to date.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump would reject checks he didn’t want to pay and send them back to his underlings, with the word “VOID” scrawled on them in Sharpie.

From Salon

Like how mob underlings sound when the boss gets sent to Rikers Island.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• attendant