SUBORDINATE

subordinate (s[schwa]-bor-d[schwa]-nit), adj. 1. Placed in or belonging to a lower rank, class, or position (a subordinate lien). 2. Subject to another’s authority or control (a subordinate lawyer). subordinate (s[schwa]-bor-d[schwa]-nayt), vb. To place in a lower rank, class, or position; to assign a lower priority to (subordinate the debt to a different class of claims).