Subordinate

/səˈbɔːdɪnət/ · adjective

Meaning

Placed in a lower class, rank, or position..

Definitions by Sense

1. Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.
2. Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.
3. (grammar, of a clause, not comparable) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
4. Descending in a regular series.
5. (countable) One who is subordinate.
6. A hyponym.
7. (transitive) To make subservient or secondary.
8. (transitive) To treat (someone) as of less value or importance.

Example Sentences

The several kinds […] and subordinate species of each are easily known.

November 9, 1662, Robert South, Of the Creation of Man in the Image of God It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding.

In the sentence “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.

Synonyms for subordinate

Antonyms for subordinate

Related Words

Word Forms

• more subordinate
• most subordinate
• subordinates
• subordinating
• subordinated

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions