Subordinate/səˈbɔːrdɪnət/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Respectful Term Use 'subordinate' in professional settings to describe team hierarchy respectfully. Please delegate this task to one of your subordinates. Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Connotation 'Subordinate' doesn't imply incompetence, just lower rank. Despite being a subordinate, she has a lot of influence on the project. Pro Tip 3/3Not a Diminutive Avoid using 'subordinate' to undermine someone's contributions or abilities. His subordinates played a key role in the research.