underling

[ˈʌndərlɪŋ]

underling Definition

a person lower in status or rank, especially a subordinate.

Using underling: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underling" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The CEO's underlings were responsible for carrying out his orders.

  • Example

    He was just an underling in the company, with no real decision-making power.

  • Example

    The underlings were overworked and underpaid.

  • Example

    She resented being treated like an underling by her boss.

underling Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for underling

Idioms Using underling

  • blame or punish someone who is not responsible for a problem or mistake

    Example

    The manager kicked the underling for the mistake, even though it was the manager's fault.

  • underlings of the law

    people who enforce the law, such as police officers or government officials

    Example

    The underlings of the law are responsible for maintaining order and upholding justice in society.

  • a mindset of subservience or inferiority, often resulting from being in a subordinate position for a long time

    Example

    He had developed an underling mentality after years of working in low-level jobs with no chance of advancement.

Phrases with underling

  • a person who is subordinate to or works under someone else

    Example

    He was an underling to the CEO of the company.

  • a person who is powerless to change their destiny or the course of events

    Example

    He felt like an underling of fate, unable to control the events that shaped his life.

  • a minor or supporting role in a play, movie, or other performance

    Example

    He started out playing underling roles in local theater productions before landing his first lead role.

Origins of underling

from 'under' + '-ling', meaning 'inferior' or 'junior'

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Summary: underling in Brief

'Underling' [ˈʌndərlɪŋ] refers to a person of lower status or rank, typically a subordinate. It can be used to describe someone who is overworked and underpaid, or someone who feels powerless to change their destiny. The phrase 'kick the underling' refers to blaming or punishing someone who is not responsible for a problem or mistake, while 'underling mentality' describes a mindset of subservience or inferiority.