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Definition of subservient

subservient

/səbˈsɜːrviənt/
sub · ser · vi · ent
Adverb:subserviently
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subservient Lexical Profile

subservient Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Prepared to obey others unquestioningly; excessively submissive, compliant, or servile.

Example

"She refused to play a subservient role in the management of the family business."

2

Less important than and secondary to another thing or purpose; subordinate.

Example

"In the architect's design, decorative flourishes were kept strictly subservient to structural function."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for subservient

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'subordinate' neutrally describes someone or something of lower rank or authority, 'subservient' carries a strong pejorative connotation of excessive, servile obedience.

• Rhymes for subservient

• Nearby Words

subsequently
subseries
subservience
subservient
subset
subside
subsidence

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin 'subservient-', the present participial stem of 'subservire' (to serve, be subject to), formed from 'sub-' (under) and 'servire' (to be a slave or serve).

Cite this Entry

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