# hierarchy

/ˈhaɪˌɹɑɹki/ (US) · /hˈaɪəɹɑːki/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hierarchy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. social or professional ranking

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a system in an organization where people are ranked one above the other according to their power or status.

For teachers: a social or organizational structure in which individuals or groups are ranked according to authority, status, or seniority.

- In the company hierarchy, the managers report directly to the vice president.
- The rigid corporate hierarchy made it difficult for junior employees to propose innovative ideas to the executive board.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific organization's structure.

### 2. classification of things

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a way of organizing ideas or objects into levels, from the most important to the least important.

For teachers: a series of ordered groupings within a system, such as biological classifications or data structures.

- The software organizes your files in a hierarchy of folders and subfolders.
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that basic physical requirements must be met before a person can pursue higher psychological goals.

Usage: Commonly appears in the phrase 'hierarchy of' followed by a plural noun.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.