adjective

1. inferior to or placed below another in rank, power, importance, etc.; secondary
2. under the power or authority of another
3. subservient or submissive
4. Gram. having the function of a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence a subordinate phrase

Etymology: ME < ML subordinatus, pp. of subordinare < L sub-, under + ordinare, to order: see ordain

noun

transitive verb subordinated -·nat′ed, subordinating -·nat′·ing

1. to place in a subordinate position; treat as less important or inferior (to)
2. to make obedient or subservient (to); control; subdue