English Reference
Noun

undersecretary

n. countable
C1 Advanced US /ˌəndɝˈsɛkɹɪˌtɛɹi/ UK /ˌʌndəsˈɛkɹətɹˌi/ un·der·sec·re·tary UK spelling undersecretaries Government

n.a high-ranking official who helps a minister or secretary in a government department. This person is usually the second-in-command and manages the daily work of the office.

n.a high-ranking administrative official who serves as the deputy to a minister or secretary in a government department. Often responsible for the day-to-day operations and policy implementation within the ministry.


SIMPLE

The undersecretary manages the daily operations of the department.

CONTEXTUAL

After the minister resigned, the undersecretary took over the lead role in the cabinet meeting.

COMPLEX

The undersecretary of state for economic affairs played a pivotal role in negotiating the trade agreement, acting as the primary liaison between the two delegations during the final week of talks.

Kenneth Akiiri, the undersecretary for Uganda’s Health Ministry, called for the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mobilise further resources.

Al Jazeera· 26 Aug 2026

Cao served as navy undersecretary before his current role.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated