hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 

also hir-ˈär-

variants or hierarchic

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik 

also hir-ˈär-

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

a hierarchical society

a hierarchical order in the church

hierarchically

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē 

also hir-ˈär-

adverb

Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People treated with testosterone may show a preference toward status seeking, which could be beneficial in a hierarchical military context. — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026

Considered the lowest of South Asia's hierarchical caste system, Dalits were once known as outcasts and many are still treated that way. — Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 20 July 2026

The fact that she was passed over for a promotion by the genial yet unimpressive Baasu (Kunal Dudheker) is not revelatory — women often face these kinds of rejections where qualifications are no substitute for hierarchical comfort. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

In each social-commentary-teetering-on-horror episode, Nanno is a pupil at a different school, picture perfect and scanning the room for whatever secrets — an abusive teacher, an absurd hierarchical system, petty jealousy — demand to be revealed. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see hierarchy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hierarchical

• anti-hierarchical

Rhymes for hierarchical

• anarchical
• monarchical
• oligarchical

Kids Definition

hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 

variants or hierarchic

-kik 

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

hierarchically

-ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē 

adverb