underling

noun

un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
Synonyms of underlingnext
: 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.
That’s striking, considering that execs tend to be far more enthusiastic about the tech compared to their underlings. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026 Despite the scary Instagram post, gang leader Lamar Williams was still convicted this month of a 2013 murder in the Bronx, and the two underlings accused of trying to keep him out of prison could wind up joining him. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 Both Freedman and Wallace are mentioned in a text exchange between Nathan and the underling, which is now an exhibit in yet another ongoing Hollywood courtroom drama between actress Rebel Wilson and producer Amanda Ghost. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 Perhaps Rose was a decoy wife, so people in the Vault didn’t catch on to whatever mysterious plans Hank and Stephanie had for their underlings. Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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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