# subcontractor

/səbˈkɑnˌtɹæktɝ/ (US) · /sˈʌbkəntɹˌæktɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subcontractor
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.