underling

noun

un·der·ling ˈən-dər-liŋ

Synonyms of underling

: 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.

His underlings kidnapped and tortured a dealer who refused to pay, the indictment said. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Lamb, who was once floated for the service’s top job, treats his current position as a kind of penance for past sins, both for himself and for his underlings. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 Ellison is said to be a boss who is loyal to his underlings, particularly with his own hires. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 With her severe bob and icy demeanor, Miranda chills her underlings to the bone. — Jami Ganz, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2026 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

underlinen

underling

underlip

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underling

noun

un·der·ling ˈən-dər-liŋ

: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate

underling

noun

Synonyms of underling

Examples of underling in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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