underling

[uhn-der-ling]

noun

1. a subordinate, especially one of slight importance.

   Synonyms: hireling, lackey, flunky, menial

underling

/ ˈʌndəlɪŋ /

noun

1. a subordinate or lackey

Word History and Origins

Origin of underling¹

1125–75; Middle English. See under-, -ling ¹

Example Sentences

County prosecutors had charged that Landa-Rodriguez, while incarcerated in a federal penitentiary for illegally reentering the country, sanctioned the killing of a rival’s underling.

From Los Angeles Times

The president typically has no loyalty to his underlings.

From Salon

On Tuesday, he held a press conference to announce relatively minor news that could have been delivered by an underling: He intended to move U.S.

From Salon

When his underlings spew hate about the Golden State on Fox News and social media?

From Los Angeles Times

I was so angry with one of his underlings that I came close to losing my temper.

From Salon

Related Words

• attendant