hierarchy
n. C / Un. a system that organizes people or things into different levels of importance. In this system, those at the top have more power or status than those at the bottom.
n. a system or organization in which members are ranked according to relative status or authority. Often used to describe social structures, corporate management, or biological classifications.
The company has a very strict management hierarchy.
In many animal groups, a clear social hierarchy determines which individuals get the best food and nesting spots.
The traditional corporate hierarchy is increasingly being replaced by flatter organizational structures that encourage direct communication between junior staff and senior executives.
From Middle English ierarchie, jerarchie, from Old French ierarchie, jerarchie, from Late Latin ierarchia, from Latin hierarchia, from Ancient Greek ἱεραρχία (hierarkhía, “rule of a high priest”), from ἱεράρχης (hierárkhēs, “high priest”), from ἱερός (hierós, “holy”) + ἄρχω (árkhō, “I rule”), equivalent to hiero- + -archy. The H was re-added c. 1500 due to influence from Classical Latin.
Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific social or professional structure.