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Definition of subcontract

subcontract

/ˈsʌbˌkɑːn.trækt/
sub · con · tract
Plural:subcontracts
•
Adjective:subcontractual
•
Past Simple:subcontracted
•
Past Participle:subcontracted
•
Present Participle:subcontracting
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subcontract Lexical Profile

subcontract Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A secondary contract under which a primary contractor employs an external person or firm to perform some or all of the obligations of an original contract.

Example

"The engineering firm won a major subcontract to design the bridge's electrical systems."

• verb

1

To employ an outside firm or person to carry out specific work as part of a larger project or primary contract.

Example

"The general contractor decided to subcontract the plumbing and roofing work to local specialists."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for subcontract
Antonyms
View all antonyms for subcontract

• Nearby Words

subconsciously
subconsciousness
subcontinent
subcontract
subcontracting
subcontractor
subcortex

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'sub-' (meaning 'under' or 'secondary') with 'contract', which ultimately stems from the Latin 'contractus' ('a drawing together' or 'agreement').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subcontract. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subcontract
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