subservience

noun

sub·​ser·​vi·​ence səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s 

1

: a subservient or subordinate place or function

2

: obsequious servility

Examples of subservience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Defeated and afraid, the leadership in Helsinki settled into a long period of uncritical neutrality toward, if not subservience to, the Kremlin. —Jussi M. Hanhimäki, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2024

Occasionally this has its benefits, as in 1793, when lusting after a lovable rogue (Barnard) can take her mind off crawling around in subservience as the wife of a gluttonous aristocrat (Nick Frost). —Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024

In the long run, the work of the Society is ultimately not subservience to Whites, but the saving of Black lives. —Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024

But even if Amorim’s assessment is correct, Brazil can gain support from the global North for Lula’s progressive vision only if his country maintains clear autonomy; any hint of subservience to China will draw Western backlash. —Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subservience

noun

sub·​ser·​vi·​ence səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s 

1

: a subordinate place or function

2

: obedience befitting one of a menial position