subordinate subordinate /səˈbɔrdənət/

adjective

1. () Lower in rank or importance  ( low-level , subordinate )
   lower in rank or importance
   
2. (of a clause) unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence  ( dependent , subordinate )
   (of a clause) unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence
    A subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence
   a subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence
   
3. Subject or submissive to authority or the control of another  ( subordinate )
   subject or submissive to authority or the control of another
    A subordinate kingdom
   a subordinate kingdom
   

noun

1. () An assistant subject to the authority or control of another  ( foot soldier , subsidiary , understrapper [Informal] , subordinate , underling )
   an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
     The dedicated subordinate faithfully carried out the instructions of their superiors.
   The dedicated subordinate faithfully carried out the instructions of their superiors.
   
2. A word that is more specific than a given word  ( hyponym , subordinate , subordinate word )
   a word that is more specific than a given word
   

verb

1. () Rank or order as less important or consider of less value  ( subordinate )
   rank or order as less important or consider of less value
    Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools
   Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools
   
2. Make subordinate, dependent, or subservient  ( subdue , subordinate )
   make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
    Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler
   Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler