underling
noun
un·der·ling
ˈən-dər-liŋ 
: 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
Walter does not conduct himself like George Steinbrenner, firing underlings seemingly at random.
—
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 19 June 2025
While Hajime remains emotionally obtuse and absorbed in his architecture and a budding new romance with an underling, Ren tentatively seeks a reconciliation, and Emi openly resists any reunion.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Usually the one doing the trolling, Dave Portnoy – infamous for making inappropriate jokes, thrashing underlings and having absolutely zero filter – is currently catching some major shade.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Agents intercepted text messages in which Facey and Sanchez talked about using a private plane to spirit away an underling who had narrowly avoided arrest in Anchorage, prosecutors wrote in the bail motion.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underling
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.
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 19 June 2025
While Hajime remains emotionally obtuse and absorbed in his architecture and a budding new romance with an underling, Ren tentatively seeks a reconciliation, and Emi openly resists any reunion.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Usually the one doing the trolling, Dave Portnoy – infamous for making inappropriate jokes, thrashing underlings and having absolutely zero filter – is currently catching some major shade.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Agents intercepted text messages in which Facey and Sanchez talked about using a private plane to spirit away an underling who had narrowly avoided arrest in Anchorage, prosecutors wrote in the bail motion.
—Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underling
Cite this Entry
“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underling. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underling
noun
un·der·ling
ˈən-dər-liŋ
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share