subservient
What does "subservient" mean?
Subservient describes a person or their behavior that is excessively willing to obey or serve others. The mental image is of someone bowing down or placing themselves "under" (sub-) another person, prioritizing that person's needs and desires entirely above their own, often to a point that feels unnatural or self-abasing. It is a formal term typically used with a negative connotation. While it can imply helpfulness, it usually suggests a lack of independence or self-respect. You will often see it used to describe employees who are too afraid to challenge a boss, or in political contexts where a nation is unfairly dominated by a stronger power.
"subservient" in conversation
Office politics
I can't stand how Mark acts around the CEO.
I can't stand how Mark acts around the CEO.
I know, he's so subservient; he agrees with everything she says before she even finishes her sentence.
I know, he's so subservient; he agrees with everything she says before she even finishes her sentence.
Highlights the negative aspect of being overly agreeable to authority.
Historical drama review
The character's development was strange.
The character's development was strange.
True, she started out completely subservient to her father, but by the end, she was leading the revolution.
True, she started out completely subservient to her father, but by the end, she was leading the revolution.
Shows how the word describes a starting state of total obedience.
"subservient" in a sentence
He is very subservient to his boss.
He is very subservient to his boss.
She refused to adopt a subservient role in the negotiation.
She refused to adopt a subservient role in the negotiation.
The regime demanded a subservient press that would never question its authority.
The regime demanded a subservient press that would never question its authority.
