underling

/ˈʌndəlɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚlɪŋ] /ˈʌndərlɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚlɪŋ] /ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)/ (ame, mw)

underling — noun

  • underlingsingular
  • underlingsplural

1. a worker in a low position who must take orders from people with more power in t

1.名詞C1
釋義

a worker in a low position who must take orders from people with more power in the same organization.

例句

The director sent two underlings to carry the boxes downstairs.

send underlings to do a task in a power chain

At the county office, Lucía was treated like an underling by senior staff.

treat someone like an underling - shows low status

同義詞
  • subordinate

    More neutral and formal; commonly used in workplace or military structures

  • assistant

    Usually a neutral support role and does not automatically suggest low status

  • lackey

    Much more negative and implies eager, shameful obedience

  • minion

    Strongly negative and often sounds theatrical or humorous

反義詞
  • boss

    Informal word for the person who gives orders

  • superior

    Formal term for someone above another person in rank

文法句型

an underling in + organization

boss + underlings

treat someone like an underling

用法筆記

Often slightly disapproving and usually used by someone describing a power structure from the outside. For a neutral workplace title, words like 'employee' or 'staff member' are usually more natural.

常見錯誤

❌I am an underling at the bank.
✅I am a junior employee at the bank.
💡'Underling' sounds dismissive and is not the usual neutral way to describe your own job.