subservience

noun

sub·​ser·​vi·​ence səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s 

1

: a subservient or subordinate place or function

2

: obsequious servility

Examples of subservience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, this exact effect is part of the reason that so many Soviet-style autocrats—the kind Trump so admires— eventually fail: governments that run on political subservience get dragged down by the Peter Principle, like a sea monster sucking its victim into the icy depths. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

The role allowed Rossellini to embody subservience and authority through a reserved yet respectful demeanor. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024

Defeated and afraid, the leadership in Helsinki settled into a long period of uncritical neutrality toward, if not subservience to, the Kremlin. —Jussi M. Hanhimäki, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2024

Occasionally this has its benefits, as in 1793, when lusting after a lovable rogue (Barnard) can take her mind off crawling around in subservience as the wife of a gluttonous aristocrat (Nick Frost). —Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subservience

noun

sub·​ser·​vi·​ence səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s 

1

: a subordinate place or function

2

: obedience befitting one of a menial position