subordinate
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for subordinate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Lower in rank, importance, or position; under the authority of someone else.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use subordinate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, from sub- ("under") plus ōrdināre ("to order, arrange").
Full origin of subordinate →Frequently asked questions
What does “subordinate” mean?
The word “subordinate” means lower in rank, importance, or position; under the authority of someone else. In plain terms, lower in rank than something or someone else, or (as a noun) the person in that lower position.
How do you pronounce “subordinate”?
“Subordinate” is pronounced suh-BAW-dih-nuht (/səˈbɔɹdɪnət/ in IPA).
How do you use “subordinate” in a sentence?
Here is “subordinate” used in a sentence: “Junior officers are subordinate to the captain.”
What part of speech is “subordinate”?
Depending on how it is used, “subordinate” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “subordinate” come from?
The word “subordinate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, from sub- ("under") plus ōrdināre ("to order, arrange").
Is “subordinate” a common word?
“Subordinate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “subordinate” have?
“Subordinate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lower in rank, importance, or position; under the authority of someone else.