underling

noun

un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate, inferior

Examples of underling in a Sentence

He takes all the credit, but most of the hard work is done by his underlings. the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After their underlings screwed up the Geneva trade agreement, the two bosses had to get involved which must be frustrating for them. Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Flynn, who is married, also asked for the detective’s underwear, according to the suit, promising her a Commander’s Day — a day off that a supervisor can grant to an underling for exemplary police work, such as a good arrest. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025 In some cases, their underlings on the street funneled money from the criminal enterprises into the inmates’ bank accounts. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 The role of Shell, ousted from his previous role running NBCUniversal after acknowledging an inappropriate relationship with an underling, has been controversial. Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for underling

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underling was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underling. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

underling

noun
un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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