noun
underling
UN-der-ling/ˈʌndərlɪŋ/
A person in a lower-ranking position under someone else's authority.
The head chef directs an underling to scrub the next dirty pan.
Etymology
Under expresses subjection here, and -ling makes a noun for the person in that position. The word originally described someone owing allegiance to a ruler, connecting lower position with subordinate rank.
In context
I am the Fates lieutenant; I act under orders. Look thou, underling! that thou obeyest mine.
More examples
- She treats her staff as partners, not underlings.
- As a young underling, he has little say in major decisions.
- The supervisor blames an underling for his own mistake.
Forms
underling · underlings
Similar words
- subordinate
- Names someone under another's authority without the same dismissive tone.
- junior
- Emphasizes lower rank or seniority rather than subjection to authority.