English Reference
Noun

subgroup

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈsəbˌɡɹup/ UK /sˈʌbɡɹuːp/ sub·group UK spelling subgroup's, subgroup's

n.a smaller group of people or things that is part of a larger group. You use this when you want to talk about a specific set within a bigger category.

n.a subordinate group consisting of members from a larger parent group. Often used in statistical or sociological contexts to identify specific sets within a population.


SIMPLE

The researchers studied a small subgroup of the patients.

CONTEXTUAL

Within the local gardening club, a subgroup of members focuses specifically on growing rare orchids.

COMPLEX

The data analysis revealed that a specific subgroup of participants responded much more favorably to the treatment than the general population, suggesting a genetic link to the drug's efficacy.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of' to identify the parent group.

In truth, this ancient subgroup of Goths could probably have cared less about astronomy as we know it today.

Phys.org· 10 Sept 2026

Within individual subgroups, results are mixed and don’t show uniform, systemwide gains.

The Conversation· 6 Jul 2026

From sub- + group.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated