submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmi-siv 

: submitting to others

submissive employees

submissively adverb

submissiveness noun

Synonyms

• amenable
• biddable
• compliant
• conformable
• docile
• law-abiding
• obedient
• tractable

Examples of submissive in a Sentence

it's not in her nature to be submissive

Recent Examples on the Web

As empathy is gaining attention as a leadership attribute, the paradox lies in this trait being viewed as a weakness for leaders, arguing individuals who demonstrate this behavior are viewed as submissive and placing emotional interests over rational, wider organizational needs. —Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Largely confined to the palace, she’s tended by her submissive husband, Nicky (Guillaume Gallienne), and a crew of backbiting advisers who fearfully indulge her whims. —Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmis-iv 

: inclined or willing to submit to others : yielding

submissively adverb

submissiveness noun

Etymology

from Latin submissus, past participle of submittere "to let down," from sub- "under, below" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to message

Medical Definition

submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmis-iv 

: characterized by tendencies to yield to the will or authority of others

bullying usually involves a stronger, more dominant personality coercing a weaker, more submissive personality

—S. W. Twemlow et al.

submissiveness noun