subcontract

[ noun suhb-kon-trakt, suhb-kon-; verb suhb-kuh n-trakt ]

/ noun sʌbˈkɒn trækt, ˈsʌbˌkɒn-; verb ˌsʌb kənˈtrækt /

Law.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR subcontract ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

verb (used with object)

to make a subcontract for.

verb (used without object)

to make a subcontract.

RELATED WORDS

sublet, farm, job

Nearby words

subconscious, subconsciously, subconsciousness, subcontiguous, subcontinent, subcontract, subcontractor, subcontrary, subcorneal pustular dermatosis, subcortex, subcortical

Origin of subcontract

First recorded in 1595–1605; sub- + contract

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for subcontract

Then they subcontract, and that makes the process even more complicated.
Why HealthCare.gov, the Obamacare Website, Doesn’t Work|Andrew Romano|October 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Before that, in December 2011, it won a $691 million U.S. Navy subcontract for “combat and sonar systems” for submarines.
Assad Supplier Finmeccanica Did Business With the Pentagon|Aram Roston|July 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Thereupon you make a contract with a subcontractor, and you agree in that subcontract that he shall have all the increase.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
The difference between a contract and a subcontract is the territory of profit in which every American loves to settle.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll

Another charge is that the subcontract made by Sanderson was filed September 18, 1878.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
They say to these witnesses, "Did you ever see such a clause as that in a subcontract before?"
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
But if you ever make a contract with this Government and can make a subcontract at the same price you do it as quick as you can.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll

British Dictionary definitions for subcontract

subcontract

noun (sʌbˈkɒntrækt)

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 (ˌsʌbkənˈtrækt)

(intr often foll by for) to enter into or make a subcontract

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for subcontract

subcontract

"contract for carrying out all or part of a previous contract," 1817, from sub- + contract (v.).