# subcommittee

/ˈsəbkəˈmɪti/ (US) · /sˈʌbkəmˌɪtiː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subcommittee
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a smaller group of people chosen from a main committee to focus on a specific task. This group does the detailed work and then reports back to the larger group.

For teachers: a subordinate committee composed of members from a larger parent committee, tasked with investigating or managing a specific area of responsibility. Typically reports findings or recommendations back to the full body for final approval.

## Examples

- The subcommittee meets every Tuesday to discuss the new budget.
- The main board formed a subcommittee to investigate the environmental impact of the proposed factory expansion.
- After months of deliberation, the subcommittee on ethics submitted a comprehensive report detailing the necessary revisions to the organization's internal code of conduct.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'on' to indicate its specific focus (e.g., 'a subcommittee on finance').

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