subaltern

adjective

of lower rank; subordinate

Usage: formal

noun

a person of lower rank, especially a junior military officer

Usage: formal; military

Examples

The subaltern officers followed their commander’s orders without question.
She held a subaltern position in the corporate hierarchy.
The young subaltern was eager to prove himself in battle.
His subaltern status meant he had little influence on major decisions.
The general promoted several subalterns after the successful mission.
In the rigid class system, she was considered subaltern to the nobility.