hierarchy
Translation
hierarchy, pecking order, ranking system
Examples
She's high up in the company hierarchy.
She's high up in the company hierarchy.
There is a strict social hierarchy in that country.
There is a strict social hierarchy in that country.
Grammar Patterns
a hierarchy of (sth.) a system of ranking (sth.) There is a hierarchy of needs.
in the hierarchy in a ranked system She is high up in the company hierarchy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ranking, pecking order, grading
Etymology
From Greek 'hieros' (sacred) + 'arkhes' (ruler), originally meaning 'rule of a high priest'.
Memory Tips
Visualize a pyramid. A hierarchy has a few people at the top and many at the bottom, common in corporations or the military.