subordination

American  

[suh-bawr-dn-ey-shuhn] / səˌbɔr dnˈeɪ ʃən /

Sometimes subordinacy

noun

1. the act of placing in a lower rank or position.

   The refusal to allow women to be educated was part of society's subordination of women to men.

2. the act of subordinating, or of making dependent, secondary, or subservient.

3. the condition of being subordinated, or made dependent, secondary, or subservient.

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subordination Cultural  

1. The use of expressions that make one element of a sentence dependent on another. In the following sentence, the first (italicized) clause (also called a subordinate clause) is subordinate to the second clause: “Despite all efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the dispute, war finally broke out.” (Compare coordination, dependent clause, and independent clause.)

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubordination noun
• presubordination noun
• self-subordination noun

Etymology

Origin of subordination

First recorded in 1425–75; from Late Latin subordination-, stem of subordinatio, equivalent to Medieval Latin subōrdināt(us), past participle of subōrdināre subordinate ( def. ) + -iō -ion ( def. )

Explanation

Subordination means lowering. In animal packs, gestures of subordination include staying low and making gestures of play. In the military, one shows subordination by saluting first. You are more likely to be familiar with the opposite of subordination, insubordination. In the military, acts of insubordination means refusing to follow your superior and is a punishable crime. The 1920s finalized the subordination of investigations into ESP and the like. They were discredited and stopped being investigated by mainstream scientists.

Example Sentences

"We swear absolute loyalty and subordination," said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who presented Rodriguez with the ceremonial baton and sword of independence hero Simon Bolivar.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

When a securitized bond is backed by B-rated loans but structured as AAA through subordination and over-collateralization, Morningstar shows the underlying loan quality.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 7, 2025

When sophisticated creditors start demanding unanimous consent on subordination, it’s a signal that confidence in collateral integrity is faltering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

This subordination often has a spiritual implication: people are offered an opportunity to transcend their own sense of insignificance through participation in a powerful movement of the chosen.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2023

Just as you revert to being about nine years old when you go home to visit your parents, you revert to total subordination when you are in the presence of your former CEO.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis