Subordinado is an adjective and can also function as a noun in the Spanish language.
/suβoɾðiˈnaɾðo/
The word subordinado refers to someone or something that is subordinate, meaning it is lower in rank, authority, or importance compared to others. In legal contexts, it often describes a position with lesser power or control, such as an employee in relation to a manager.
Subordinado is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in business, organizational hierarchies, and legal language. It appears frequently in discussions about authority, leadership, and workplace dynamics.
The manager has several subordinate employees under his command.
En la jerarquía de la empresa, los directores supervisan a los subordinados.
In the company's hierarchy, the directors supervise the subordinates.
Los subordinados deben seguir las instrucciones de sus superiores.
While subordinado itself isn't a common part of idiomatic expressions, it can appear in discussions about hierarchy and authority. Here are some expressions that revolve around the concept of subordination:
Under the command of a subordinate, the project was a success.
Ser subordinado a alguien
I do not like being subordinate to someone who does not listen to my ideas.
Tener un rol subordinado
In his new job, he has a subordinate role, but he is learning a lot.
Relación superior-subordinado
The superior-subordinate relationship is crucial for a healthy work environment.
Permitir a los subordinados tomar decisiones
The word subordinado derives from the Latin word subordinatus, which is the past participle of subordinare, meaning "to place in a lower rank". It combines "sub-", meaning "under", and "ordinare", meaning "to arrange".