What does subordination mean?
Subordination has two closely related meanings. In grammar, it is the relationship between a subordinate clause and a main clause: the subordinate clause contributes meaning to the main clause but cannot generally stand alone as a complete sentence. Words such as because, although, when, and while commonly introduce such clauses. In broader use, subordination means placing a person, group, country, or institution under the authority, influence, or control of another. It can therefore describe political dependence, institutional control, or unequal social status. The word is useful because it identifies not merely a difference in importance but a structured relationship of dependence. In grammatical contexts it is neutral technical vocabulary; in discussions of power, it often implies that the arrangement may be unwanted or unjust.
nounThe act of placing or treating someone or something as subordinate to another person, group, or authority. In grammar, it refers to the relationship in which a subordinate clause depends on a main clause for its meaning or grammatical completeness.
- The grammatical relationship between a subordinate clause and the main clause on which it depends.
- The placement of a person, group, institution, or thing under the authority or control of another.
- A state of submission or dependence, especially in social or political relationships.
"The committee resisted any subordination of its independence to party leadership."
"Subordination makes it possible to combine independent ideas into a single complex sentence."
"The treaty ended the subordination of the islands to the foreign power."
The noun is normally uncountable. The plural is rare and chiefly occurs where separate instances of dependency or subordinate arrangement are being discussed.
"The treaty carefully specified the duration of each temporary subordination."
Subordination is also the hidden grammar of power: the structure of a sentence can mirror the structure of a hierarchy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subordination come from?
Subordination comes through Old French from Medieval Latin subordinatio, a noun formed from subordinare, meaning “to place under.” The Latin verb combined the prefix sub-, meaning “under,” with ordo, meaning “order.” English borrowed the word in the late Middle English period for the act of placing something or someone below another in rank or authority.
Related word forms
How subordination is actually used
In grammar, subordination is standard terminology in formal linguistic and educational writing. In social or political contexts, it can suggest an unequal hierarchy and may carry a critical or negative connotation.
Easily confused with subordination
Coordination gives elements equal status and often links them with coordinating conjunctions, whereas subordination places one element in a dependent relationship.