noun
underling
UHND-lihng
Underling (noun) means a person of lower rank or authority than another; a subordinate. Example: “The manager barked orders at his underlings all morning.”
noun
1
A person of lower rank or authority than another; a subordinate.
"The manager barked orders at his underlings all morning."
"So read the email from Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, and a billionaire many times over. It would be read by more than 1,000 of his underlings at the company."
— Rob Copeland, ‘Ray, This Is a Religion’ (2023)
How to use underling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone lower down the chain of command.
When to use it
Often used dismissively or with a slightly negative tone, implying the person is treated as unimportant.
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Word forms
- Plural
- underlings
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The manager barked orders at his _____ all morning.
Etymology
From Old English underling, formed from under + the suffix -ling (as in "duckling").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
overling
Related words
Rhymes for underling
See all rhymes for underling →Frequently asked questions
What does “underling” mean?
The word “underling” means a person of lower rank or authority than another; a subordinate. In plain terms, someone lower down the chain of command.
How do you pronounce “underling”?
“Underling” is pronounced UHND-lihng (/ˈʌndɚlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “underling” in a sentence?
Here is “underling” used in a sentence: “The manager barked orders at his underlings all morning.”
What is another word for “underling”?
Words with a similar meaning to “underling” include superior.
What is the opposite of “underling”?
The opposite of “underling” — its antonyms — is overling.
What part of speech is “underling”?
“Underling” is a noun.
Where does the word “underling” come from?
The word “underling” comes from Old English. From Old English underling, formed from under + the suffix -ling (as in "duckling").
