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

This individual has hierarchical power and acts as a sponsor of the idea or project. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026

Yet there’s also a growing inevitability to those clubs losing their stars to domestic rivals, an event occurring far more frequently than before and which further solidifies the hierarchical structure of English football. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Because banking careers are inherently hierarchical, there’s no room to create. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

Alignment, in practice, means tighter hierarchical agreement at the top and more systematic control throughout the organization. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 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