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

Here, its tool, the controls-rich product Teams (with 36% market share), has become a perfect fit for its hierarchical bureaucratic enterprise customers. —Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

But even as the Surrealists were experimenting with ritual and divination in the face of horror, the Nazis also embraced occultism, with its secret and hierarchical rituals of power. —Celia Bell july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025

But not the kind of mentorship that lies in the old, hierarchical, and archaic approach. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 July 2025

Experts recommend ongoing education, transparent company policies, and a clear process for reporting and managing romances, especially those involving hierarchical power differences. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

see hierarchy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hierarchical

• anti-hierarchical

Rhymes for hierarchical

• oligarchical
• anarchical

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