noun
underling
UHND-lihng
noun
1
A person of lower rank or authority than another; a subordinate.
"The manager barked orders at his underlings all morning."
How to Use Underling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone lower down the chain of command.
When to use it
Often used dismissively or with a slightly negative tone, implying the person is treated as unimportant.
Word Forms
underlings plural
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The manager barked orders at his _____ all morning.
Etymology
From Old English underling, formed from under + the suffix -ling (as in "duckling").