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hierarchy

Noun

IPA /ˈhaɪərɑːki/

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Meaning in plain English

A system in which people or things are arranged in levels of rank or importance.

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Pronunciation

hierarchy/ˈhaɪərɑːki/

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Order of importance

Lower level
Middle level
Higher level

A hierarchy arranges people or things into levels of rank or importance.

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The sports club has a clear hierarchy, with the chairperson at the top.
The diagram shows the company's management hierarchy.

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The sports club has a clear ________, with the chairperson at the top.

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hierarchy — A system in which people or things are arranged in levels of rank or importance.

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A system in which people or things are arranged in levels of rank or importance.

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Word origin

Through French and Latin from Greek hierarkhia, connected with sacred rule.

Did you know?

A hierarchy can rank ideas and needs as well as people.

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