Definition of "subordinate" in English

adjective

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

2. Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.

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

3. (grammar, of a clause, not comparable) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause

   • 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”.

4. Descending in a regular series.

noun

1. (countable) One who is subordinate.

2. A hyponym.

verb

1. (transitive) To make subservient or secondary.

2. (transitive) To treat (someone) as of less value or importance.