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Synonyms

chain of command

American  

noun

  1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.


Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Cadets should live together, train together and take responsibility for one another under a cadet chain of command supervised by experienced military professionals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Ma Moe San Pan's case highlights a grim mutation of the junta's mandatory conscription laws: mounting pressure from the higher levels of the regime has created perverse incentives further down the chain of command.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

“His prescription contact lenses had expired,” Sidhar reported, “and he told his chain of command that he couldn’t even see what he was doing, and he was worried about causing accidents.”

From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026

“When it takes months to reach decisions that make it down the chain of command and are stalled by paperwork.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Out of the darkness came the members of my chain of command, including my new “friend,” Sergeant Austin.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

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