subcontract

[suhb-kon-trakt, suhb-kon-, suhb-kuhn-trakt]

noun

1. a contract by which one agrees to render services or to provide materials necessary for the performance of another contract.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a subcontract for.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a subcontract.

subcontract

noun

1. a subordinate contract under which the supply of materials, services, or labour is let out to someone other than a party to the main contract

verb

1. to enter into or make a subcontract

2. (tr) to let out (work) on a subcontract

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcontract¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; sub- + contract

Example Sentences

It subcontracts to hotels to provide accommodation for about half of those and also, according to the latest official data, uses more hotels than the other contractors.

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While Ferguson Marine has since secured some subcontracting work on the Royal Navy frigates being built in Glasgow, it has no more ship orders once MV Glen Rosa is finished next year.

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Once its latest ferry MV Glen Rosa is completed next year, Ferguson's has no more ship orders - just some subcontracting work from BAE Systems to keep its welders and platers occupied.

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While no value has been given for the new contract, the previous BAE subcontracting work was said to be worth about £6-7m.

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Earlier this year whistleblowers flagged concerns over the way some subcontracted staff were being paid.

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Related Words

• hire out 
• rent out www.thesaurus.com
• sublet