Hierarchy: meaning, definitions and examples

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hierarchy

[ˈhaɪəˌrɑːrki ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

organizational structure

A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. The hierarchy typically consists of levels, with each level having greater power or importance than the one below.

Synonyms

pecking order, ranking, structure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hierarchy	Used when referring to a system where members are ranked according to their levels of power or importance. Commonly used in organizational, social, or biological contexts. In many companies, there is a clear hierarchy that defines the levels of authority The animal kingdom has a complex hierarchy with predators at the top
structure	Refers to the arrangement or organization of something, not necessarily implying a level of authority or ranking. It is more about how parts are organized together. The structure of the essay was well-organized We need to improve the structure of our project timelines
ranking	Typically used when discussing lists or categories where someone or something is placed in order based on an evaluation of quality, performance, or other criteria. Often used in sports, education, and business. The ranking of tennis players changes regularly based on their performance Our company's ranking in the industry has improved this quarter
pecking order	Often used in an informal context to describe the natural or established order of people or things. It implies a ranking where each person or thing knows their place. This term sometimes has a slightly negative or competitive connotation. High school cliques often have a clear pecking order In the office, the pecking order determines who gets the best parking spots

Examples of usage

The company has a strict hierarchy, with the CEO at the top and interns at the bottom.
Traditional societies often have a clear hierarchy based on age and gender.
In the military, there is a strict hierarchy that dictates the chain of command.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek roots 'hieros' meaning sacred and 'archos' meaning leader, so it originally referred to a group of sacred leaders.
It first appeared in English around the 14th century, often used in religious contexts to describe church leadership.

Social Sciences

Sociologists use hierarchy to describe how roles and status can affect interactions within groups and organizations.
In many workplaces, hierarchies can influence decisions, promotions, and conflict resolutions.

Biology

Ecological hierarchies organize living organisms by their biological roles, from producers like plants to top predators.
In taxonomy, the classification of living things is arranged in a hierarchical structure, ranging from kingdom to species.

Gaming

In many video games, a hierarchy exists where players can level up and achieve higher ranks, gaining more abilities or perks.
Online gaming communities often form hierarchies based on skill levels, where ‘leaders’ might help guide new players.

Culture

Different cultures have unique hierarchical structures; for example, some societies emphasize family roles more than others.
In some traditions, age can determine place in the hierarchy, where older individuals are respected as leaders.

Translations

Translations of the word "hierarchy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hierarquia

🇮🇳 पदानुक्रम

🇩🇪 Hierarchie

🇮🇩 hierarki

🇺🇦 ієрархія

🇵🇱 hierarchia

🇯🇵 階層

🇫🇷 hiérarchie

🇪🇸 jerarquía

🇹🇷 hiyerarşi

🇰🇷 계층

🇸🇦 تسلسل هرمي

🇨🇿 hierarchie

🇸🇰 hierarchia

🇨🇳 等级制度

🇸🇮 hierarhija

🇮🇸 stigveldisskipan

🇰🇿 иерархия

🇬🇪 იერარქია

🇦🇿 ierarxiya

🇲🇽 jerarquía

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,650 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5647 attraction
5648 invisible
5649 stimulated
5650 hierarchy
5651 lighter
5652 textile
5653 limb
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