Subordinate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun verb /sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət/ (adjective) /sə-ˈbȯr-də-ˌnāt/ (verb) sub·or·di·nate

Meaning & Definition of Subordinate

Subordinate (adjective)

  1. placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position, inferior
  2. submissive to or controlled by authority
  3. of, relating to, or constituting a clause that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb

Subordinate (noun)

  1. one who stands in order or rank below another, one that is subordinate

Subordinate (verb)

  1. to make subject or subservient
  2. to treat as of less value or importance

Subordinate (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having not so great importance or rank as another

    "his contention is that environment plays a subordinate role to heredity in determining what we become"

    similar: inferior, junior, less, lesser, lower, minor, smaller
    related: little, mean, small, minute, petty, jerkwater, one-horse, second-class, second-rate, two-bit, associate, auxiliary, secondary, subsidiary
    opposite: greater, higher, major, more, primary, prime, senior, superior, superordinate
    near: choice, exceptional, first-class, first-rate

Subordinate (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another

    "subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs"

    similar: inferior, junior, underling
    related: attendant, follower, retainer, domestic, menial, steward, flunky, henchman, lackey, minion, adjutant, aid, aide, assistant, coadjutor, deputy, second, second fiddle, helpmate, helpmeet, mate, sidekick
    opposite: senior, superior
    near: boss, captain, chief, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster

Subordinate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring under one's control by force of arms

    "it is one of the lessons of history that more powerful civilizations often subordinate weaker ones"

    similar: conquer, dominate, overpower, pacify, subdue, subject, subjugate, vanquish
    related: annihilate, beat, clobber, crush, defeat, drub, lick, mow (down), overcome, prevail (over), reduce, rout, skunk, smash, thrash, triumph (over), trounce, wallop, whip, enslave, break, clamp down (on), crack down (on), put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, smother, snuff (out), squash, squelch, suppress
    near: discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, liberate, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Subordinate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Subordinate:

inferior, junior, less, lesser, lower, minor, smaller, underling, conquer, dominate, overpower, pacify, subdue, subject, subjugate, vanquish

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Subordinate

Words with the opposite meaning of Subordinate:

greater, higher, major, more, primary, prime, senior, superior, superordinate

Related Words for Subordinate

little, mean, small, minute, petty, jerkwater, one-horse, second-class, second-rate, two-bit, associate, auxiliary, secondary, subsidiary, attendant, follower, retainer, domestic, menial, steward, flunky, henchman, lackey, minion, adjutant, aid, aide, assistant, coadjutor, deputy

Near Antonyms of Subordinate

choice, exceptional, first-class, first-rate, boss, captain, chief, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster, discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, liberate, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Word Forms of Subordinate

Inflections: subordinated, subordinating

Derived words: subordinately (adverb), subordinateness (noun), subordinative (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Subordinate

Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subordinatus, past participle of subordinare to subordinate, from Latin sub- + ordinare to order ordain

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Subordinate

Words & Phrases Containing Subordinate

subordinate clause

Frequently Asked Questions about Subordinate

What does "Subordinate" mean?

"Subordinate" means placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position, inferior. As an an adjective, a noun and a verb, it is defined as: placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position, inferior. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Subordinate"?

Other words for "Subordinate" include inferior, junior, less, lesser, lower, minor, smaller and underling. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Subordinate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Subordinate"?

There are 85 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Subordinate". Common alternatives include inferior, junior, less, lesser, lower, minor, smaller, underling, conquer and dominate.

What is the opposite of "Subordinate"?

Antonyms of "Subordinate" include greater, higher, major, more, primary, prime, senior and superior. Near antonyms include choice, exceptional, first-class and first-rate.

How do you use "Subordinate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Subordinate" in a sentence: "his contention is that environment plays a subordinate role to heredity in determining what we become"; "subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs"; "it is one of the lessons of history that more powerful civilizations often subordinate weaker ones".

Is "Subordinate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Subordinate" can be used as an adjective, a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Subordinate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Subordinate"?

"Subordinate" is pronounced /sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət/ as an adjective and /sə-ˈbȯr-də-ˌnāt/ as a verb and divided into syllables as sub·or·di·nate.