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.
Usually the one doing the trolling, Dave Portnoy – infamous for making inappropriate jokes, thrashing underlings and having absolutely zero filter – is currently catching some major shade. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025 Agents intercepted text messages in which Facey and Sanchez talked about using a private plane to spirit away an underling who had narrowly avoided arrest in Anchorage, prosecutors wrote in the bail motion. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 Also, Jimmy discovers while covering for Kayla on the set of her Lassie remake that Kayla is still terrorizing her underlings; very curious to see if/when that’s going to blow up in everyone’s faces. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 16 May 2025 In the mornings, some managers might even dispatch an underling to scout a location for picnicking later on and proceed to give that person part of the day off. Kholood Eid, New York Times, 2 May 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 17 Jun. 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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