subcontract

American  

[suhb-kon-trakt, suhb-kon-, suhb-kuhn-trakt] / sʌbˈkɒn trækt, ˈsʌbˌkɒn-, ˌsʌb kənˈtrækt /

noun

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

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verb (used with object)

1. to make a subcontract for.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a subcontract.

subcontract British  

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

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verb

1. to enter into or make a subcontract

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

Etymology

Origin of subcontract

First recorded in 1595–1605; sub- + contract

Explanation

A subcontract is a legal agreement to do part of a larger job. A worker or small company usually signs a subcontract with a larger company. As a verb, subcontract means to hire a person or company to complete part of a job. An example might be a construction company that's been employed to build a house deciding to subcontract all the plumbing and electrical work out. In other words, they are paid for the entire job, and then they pay a plumber and an electrician to do specific parts of the job.

Example Sentences

The RSF scored an important victory against the Darfur rebels, did less well in fighting an insurgency in the Nuba Mountains adjacent to South Sudan, and took a subcontract to police the border with Libya.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2025

In Kousisis, the allegation is that a contractor who partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation engaged in fraud by misrepresenting that the contractor would subcontract with minority-owned businesses.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2025

Another reason for calm in Wall Street is that its traders subcontract the job of risk assessment to the oil market.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2024

Now there are alternatives, such as “custom crush” facilities: Essentially, you subcontract the winemaking.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2023

The subcontract, gentlemen, states that Sanderson is to have the entire pay, and it was before the contract term began.

From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Legal by Ingersoll, Robert Green

Related Words

• hire out
• rent out
• sublet