Servile: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe someone who is excessively willing to serve or please others, usually with a connotation of weakness or lack of self-respect.

• She tried to win favor by adopting a servile attitude towards her boss.
• The servile employees made no attempt to question the unfair policy.

Often negative, this describes someone who is very willing or too willing to obey someone else, sometimes to the point of putting their own desires aside.

• She felt subservient roles were the only option for women in her company.
• His subservient nature made him an easy target for exploitation.

Refers to someone who is overly eager to help or obey someone important, often used negatively to indicate insincerity or excessive flattery.

• His obsequious behavior towards the CEO irritated his colleagues.
• The waiter's obsequious attention made the guests uncomfortable.

Used to describe someone who acts in a flattering way towards someone important in order to gain advantage, implies a form of deceit and insincerity.

• The manager's sycophantic praise of the director was seen as a maneuver to get promoted.
• His sycophantic comments were obviously an attempt to curry favor.

Describes a person who is willing to agree with others or follow rules, often with a neutral or positive connotation. It can also refer to adherence to rules or standards.

• He was always compliant with company policies and procedures.
• The new software is fully compliant with international standards.

Used to describe someone who is excessively willing to serve or please others to an extreme degree, with a negative connotation.

• He addressed his boss with a servile manner, always ready to fulfill every request immediately.
• The servile attitude of the waiter made the guests feel uncomfortable.

Used to describe a person who behaves in an overly submissive manner, lacking independence, often imitating others, with a negative connotation.

• His slavish imitation of his mentor's style showed a lack of originality.
• The slavish devotion to their leader prevented them from thinking independently.

Implies a readiness to conform to the authority or will of others, often without resistance, can be used neutrally or negatively depending on context.

• The submissive employee never questioned any decisions made by their boss.
• In some cultures, being submissive is seen as a virtue.

Describes someone who is excessively willing to follow orders, prioritize others' needs over their own, often regarded negatively.

• His subservient behavior towards his superiors made it clear he sought their approval.
• She was subservient to her husband's wishes, even when they were unreasonable.

Describes a person or animal that follows commands, rules, or instructions willingly without negative connotations.

• The obedient dog sat quietly next to its owner.
• She was an obedient student who always followed her teacher's instructions.