underling — a person lower in rank or position; a subordinate
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person lower in rank or position; a subordinate
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌndərlɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The evil mastermind sent his underlings to steal the cookies from the cafeteria.
- Even though I'm just an underling, I have big dreams of becoming the manager someday.
- The superhero's underlings were surprisingly good at making coffee and filing paperwork.
underling
NOUN[/ˈʌndərlɪŋ/]
a person lower in rank or position; a subordinate
The CEO barks orders while his nervous underling scribbles every word in a notebook.
The underling's sterling medal goes whirling through the air
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Underling originates from Old English, combining 'under' (beneath, lower) and the diminutive suffix '-ling' (a small person or creature). The term originally denoted a person of lower rank or status, and became particularly prevalent in medieval hierarchical societies to describe subordinates or inferiors.
Breakdown
under- (beneath, lower in position or rank) + -ling (diminutive suffix meaning a small person or one of lesser importance). The suffix '-ling' derives from Old English and Germanic roots used to form diminutive nouns.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The evil mastermind sent his underlings to steal the cookies from the cafeteria.”
“Even though I'm just an underling, I have big dreams of becoming the manager someday.”
“The superhero's underlings were surprisingly good at making coffee and filing paperwork.”
“She refused to be treated as a mere underling and demanded respect for her ideas.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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