hierarchy

noun
UK: /ˈhaɪərɑːki/
US: /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/

  1. A system where people are ranked by importance.

    1. The company has a clear hierarchy of managers.
    2. The military hierarchy ensures orders are followed precisely within its rank structure.

  2. A group organized by rank or authority.

    1. She's high up in the social hierarchy.
    2. The strict academic hierarchy often limits student creativity and independent thought.

  3. A system of organizing things based on importance or order.

    1. The project's tasks are in a set hierarchy.
    2. There's a hierarchy of needs to consider when designing social programs that address fundamental human necessities.

Synonyms

ranking scale ladder order pecking order

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "hierarchy" in English means: A system where people are ranked by importance., A group organized by rank or authority., A system of organizing things based on importance or order..

The phonetic transcription of "hierarchy" is /ˈhaɪərɑːki/ in British English and /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "hierarchy": ranking, scale, ladder, order, pecking order.

Example usage of "hierarchy": "The company has a clear hierarchy of managers.". More examples on the page.