subordinate meaning and examples

Meaning

• Subordinate can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb:

  • Noun: a person under the authority or control of another within an organization.
  • Adjective: lower in rank or position.
  • Verb: to treat something or someone as less important or place them in a lower position.

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Noun / Adjective / Verb

• Common structures:

  • “a subordinate of + noun” (a junior employee of a manager)
  • “subordinate to + noun” (lower in rank or importance)
  • “to subordinate sth to sth” (to make one thing less important than another)

Common Phrases

• Subordinate staff – employees under the control of a manager.
• Subordinate role – a lower-ranking or supporting position.
• To subordinate personal interests – put aside personal needs for something else.
• Subordinate clause – a clause that depends on a main clause in grammar.

Collocations

• Adjectives + subordinate: junior subordinate, loyal subordinate, direct subordinate
• Verbs + subordinate: manage subordinates, control subordinates, subordinate interests, subordinate goals

Examples

1. The manager treated his subordinates with respect.
2. She holds a subordinate role in the organization.
3. Personal interests must be subordinated to the needs of the team.
4. He gave instructions to his subordinates.
5. The committee decided that this issue was subordinate to more urgent matters.
6. In grammar, a subordinate clause cannot stand alone.
7. The CEO expected loyalty from all subordinates.
8. She felt her position was subordinate to that of her colleagues.

Synonyms or Related

• Junior
• Assistant
• Underling
• Inferior
• Supporter
• Dependent