C1noun formal 1K

Hierarchy

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈhaɪərɑːki/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈhaɪərɑːrki/"]/

Meaning of Hierarchy

a system, especially in a society or an organization, in which people are organized into different levels of importance from highest to lowest

In simple words: A system that ranks people or things according to their importance or status.

Hierarchy in a sentence

• The corporate hierarchy defines the chain of command within the company.
• In the biological hierarchy, species are grouped into genera, families, orders, and so forth.
• Social hierarchies often influence people's interactions and opportunities.
• Understanding the hierarchy of needs is essential in psychology studies.
• The medieval hierarchy placed kings at the top and peasants at the bottom.
• Different computer file systems use a hierarchy to organize folders and files.
• Government hierarchy can vary significantly from one country to another.

How to use Hierarchy

Used in academic and professional contexts. It’s more appropriate when discussing organizations, social structures, or classification systems. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

hierarchy + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'high arch' — the higher you go, the more important things are.

Related words

Collocations with Hierarchy

• complex
• rigid
• strict
• create
• develop
• establish
• be based on something
• in a/​the hierarchy
• within a/​the hierarchy
• hierarchy of
• somebody’s level, position, status, etc. in a hierarchy
• complex
• rigid
• strict
• create
• develop
• establish
• be based on something
• in a/​the hierarchy
• within a/​the hierarchy
• hierarchy of
• somebody’s level, position, status, etc. in a hierarchy

Synonyms for Hierarchy

• pecking order
• ranking
• stratification
• classification
• chain of command

Opposites of Hierarchy

• chaos
• anarchy

Common mistakes with Hierarchy

• Confusing 'hierarchy' with 'directory'.
• Using it in informal contexts.
• Mixing up the structure of the phrase, e.g., saying 'hierarchy of people' instead of 'hierarchy among people.'

Frequently asked questions about Hierarchy

What does Hierarchy mean?

A system that ranks people or things according to their importance or status.

What is the definition of Hierarchy?

a system, especially in a society or an organization, in which people are organized into different levels of importance from highest to lowest

How do you use Hierarchy in a sentence?

The corporate hierarchy defines the chain of command within the company.

Can you give another example of Hierarchy?

In the biological hierarchy, species are grouped into genera, families, orders, and so forth.

What are synonyms for Hierarchy?

Common alternatives include pecking order, ranking, stratification, classification, chain of command.

What is the opposite of Hierarchy?

Opposite meanings include chaos, anarchy.

What words go with Hierarchy?

It commonly pairs with complex, rigid, strict, create, develop, establish, be based on something, in a/​the hierarchy, within a/​the hierarchy, hierarchy of, somebody’s level, position, status, etc. in a hierarchy, complex, rigid, strict, create, develop, establish, be based on something, in a/​the hierarchy, within a/​the hierarchy, hierarchy of, somebody’s level, position, status, etc. in a hierarchy.

What are common mistakes when using Hierarchy?

Confusing 'hierarchy' with 'directory'. Using it in informal contexts. Mixing up the structure of the phrase, e.g., saying 'hierarchy of people' instead of 'hierarchy among people.'

How do you pronounce Hierarchy?

US: /["/ˈhaɪərɑːrki/"]/, UK: /["/ˈhaɪərɑːki/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Hierarchy formal or informal?

"Hierarchy" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Hierarchy?

Used in academic and professional contexts. It’s more appropriate when discussing organizations, social structures, or classification systems. Avoid in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Hierarchy?

"Hierarchy" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.