Meaning & use

underling

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A person who holds a subordinate position, especially one under the authority of another.

See it in a sentence

The manager barked orders at his underlings all morning.

As a junior associate, she was often treated like an underling rather than a colleague.

A note on using this word

Often carries a slightly negative or dismissive connotation, implying a low or undervalued position.

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