American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition subordinate in American English

subordinate adjective

adjective
/səˈbɔrdɪnət/
1

having less power or authority than someone else

Example

He handed the case down to one of his subordinate officers.

Example

All members of the committee are subordinate to the chairman.

Synonyms and related words
2

less important than something else

Example

One or two subordinate questions arose during our discussions.

Example

In this business everything is subordinate to making a profit.

Synonyms and related words
Definition subordinate in American English