hierarchy

[ˈhaɪərɑːrki]

hierarchy Definition

a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

Using hierarchy: Examples

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

• Example

  The company has a strict hierarchy, with the CEO at the top.

• Example

  In many animal societies, there is a clear hierarchy among members.

• Example

  The military operates on a strict hierarchy, with orders coming from the top down.

hierarchy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hierarchy

• ranking
• order
• gradation
• pecking order
• chain of command

Antonyms for hierarchy

• egalitarianism
• equality

Idioms Using hierarchy

• climb the hierarchy

  to work one's way up through the ranks of an organization or social group

  Example

  He started as an intern and worked his way up the hierarchy to become CEO.

• break down the hierarchy

  to challenge or dismantle an established system of ranking or authority

  Example

  The protesters were trying to break down the hierarchy and create a more equal society.

• flatten the hierarchy

  to reduce the number of levels in a system of ranking or authority

  Example

  The company decided to flatten the hierarchy and eliminate several layers of management.

Phrases with hierarchy

• social hierarchy

  a system of ranking people in a society based on their social status or class

  Example

  The social hierarchy of medieval Europe was rigid and hierarchical.

• power hierarchy

  a system of ranking people or groups based on their level of power or influence

  Example

  The power hierarchy in the country is dominated by a few wealthy families.

• corporate hierarchy

  a system of ranking employees in a company based on their job title or position

  Example

  The corporate hierarchy at the company is very flat, with only a few levels of management.

Origins of hierarchy

from Greek 'hierarkhia', meaning 'rule of a high priest'

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Summary: hierarchy in Brief

Hierarchy [ˈhaɪərɑːrki] refers to a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked according to status or authority. It is prevalent in various contexts, such as companies, animal societies, and military operations. Examples include 'The company has a strict hierarchy, with the CEO at the top.' and 'The military operates on a strict hierarchy, with orders coming from the top down.' Idioms like 'climb the hierarchy' and 'flatten the hierarchy' describe upward mobility and reduction of levels, respectively.