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.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chain of command

“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

It combines three special investigations bureaus from each of the three military branches into one, removing them from any direct chain of command.

From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2026

Firefighters said they adhered to the LAFD’s strict chain of command and did not question higher-ups, while those in charge had fuzzy memories or shifted responsibility to others.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2026

"The chain of command within Iran's armed forces is unclear," said Farhad Mammadov, head of the Baku-based South Caucasus Studies Center.

From Barron's ● Mar. 6, 2026

“It was the only way to avoid chaos. The chain of command started at the very bottom and ended with Hitler.”

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure