subordinated

American  

[suh-bawr-dn-ey-tid] / səˈbɔr dnˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. made secondary or subservient.

   Most college programs are geared to those aged 18 to 24, leaving others in a subordinated position in the system.

   She refused to settle for a subordinated life as an “office lady,” making copies and coffee for male coworkers and superiors.

2. Finance. being or relating to a debt whose holder is ranked below secured and general creditors with respect to priority of payment.

   Typically, in liquidation, subordinated debentures come after short-term debt.

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Other Word Forms

• unsubordinated adjective

Etymology

Origin of subordinated

First recorded in 1640–50 subordinated for def. 1; 1920–25 subordinated for def. 2; subordinate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Find insight on subordinated bonds, Belfius Bank, Visa and more in the latest Market Talks covering financial services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But this pivotal friendship is subordinated to the group dynamic.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

In his post on X, he said that "the fight against drugs must be subordinated to the human rights of the Caribbean people".

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2025

That climate of deference fostered a culture of complicity, where questions of social responsibility were subordinated to uncritical faith in authority.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2025

The Mexica were subordinated by a nearby city-state on the shore, and the tlatoani was forced to send Mexica men as conscripts for its wars.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann