What does subcontract mean?
To subcontract is to arrange for someone else, often another company or specialist, to carry out part of the work covered by a larger contract. The arrangement is commonly documented in a separate agreement, and the person or organization performing the work is called a subcontractor. The term is especially common in construction, engineering, manufacturing, public procurement, and other industries in which projects are divided among specialists. As a noun, a subcontract is the smaller agreement itself. Subcontracting can help companies obtain particular skills, meet deadlines, or limit costs, but it may also reduce direct control over quality and performance. The word is normal in formal business and legal language and is used in both British and American English.
To arrange for another person or business to perform part of the work covered by an existing contract.
"The developer subcontracted specialist tasks to several independent contractors."
Also used intransitively to undertake work under a subcontract: “The manufacturer subcontracted for the production of individual components.”
A separate agreement under which another person or business undertakes part of the work covered by a main contract.
"The removal work was completed under a subcontract signed by the specialist firm."
The plural is “subcontracts.”
The plural is used when referring to multiple secondary agreements.
"The company awarded several subcontracts to regional suppliers."
A subcontract is a smaller agreement nested within a larger contract, allowing specialists to handle part of a project.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subcontract come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century by combining the prefix “sub-,” meaning under or secondary, with “contract.” It developed from the earlier legal sense of making a contract under an existing agreement. Its components are shared with words such as “contractor” and “contractible,” which also derive from the Latin root contrahere, meaning to draw together.
Related word forms
How subcontract is actually used
Common in British and American business, legal, and construction contexts. It usually implies that the work forms part of a broader agreement, although the term can also refer to the smaller agreement itself when used as a noun.
Easily confused with subcontract
A subcontractor performs part of the work under an existing contract, whereas a contractor may be the primary party responsible for delivering the whole contracted job.