Word
subcontractor
Phoneticssub·con·trac·tor, stress on the second syllable
US/səbˈkɑnˌtɹæktɝ/
UK/sˈʌbkəntɹˌæktɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a company or person that does part of a job for another company. The main company usually hires them to handle a specific part of a project.
n. a person or company that performs a specific task or part of a project for a primary contractor. Often used in construction, manufacturing, or software development contexts.
Examples
“The main contractor hired a subcontractor to paint the walls.”
“After the main developer finished the framework, a subcontractor was brought in to handle the user interface design.”
“While the primary contractor is responsible for the overall project timeline, the subcontractor must adhere to strict safety protocols and deliver their specific component within a narrow window to avoid delays.”
Examples
simple
“The main contractor hired a subcontractor to paint the walls.”
contextual
“After the main developer finished the framework, a subcontractor was brought in to handle the user interface design.”
complex
“While the primary contractor is responsible for the overall project timeline, the subcontractor must adhere to strict safety protocols and deliver their specific component within a narrow window to avoid delays.”
Real-World Examples
“In a statement to the Guardian, Loro Piana said the supplier had not informed the company of the existence of subcontractors.” “The developer was also behind on its payroll, and many subcontractors are out of pocket.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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