subcontract

[ noun suhb-kon-trakt, suhb-kon-; verb 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. introften foll byfor 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

Then they subcontract, and that makes the process even more complicated.

From The Daily Beast

Before that, in December 2011, it won a $691 million U.S. Navy subcontract for “combat and sonar systems” for submarines.

From The Daily Beast

They would subcontract the work to Afghans for paltry amounts and pocket the difference.

From The Daily Beast

Subcontract, sub-kon′trakt, n. a contract subordinate to another contract, as for the subletting of work.

From Project Gutenberg

The subcontract was made with Sanderson, Sanderson got his own contract filed.

From Project Gutenberg

The subcontract of Vaile shows that Vaile was to receive one hundred per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Another charge is that the subcontract made by Sanderson was filed September 18, 1878.

From Project Gutenberg

The second charge is of fraudulently filing a subcontract, an impossible offence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hire out
• rent out
• sublet