English · Work & Business
hierarchy
/ˈhaɪə.rɑː.ki/
[/ˈhaɪə.rɑː.ki/]
ranked system
Advancednoun
Definition
A system in which people or things are ranked one above another according to status or authority.
Example
The company has a strict hierarchy, and every decision must be approved by senior management.
The company has a strict hierarchy, and every decision must be approved by senior management.
Etymology
From Greek 'hierarkhia' (rule of a high priest), from 'hieros' (sacred) plus 'arkhein' (to rule).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in sociology, business, and organisational studies.