1. having the quality of being subordinate or secondary in rank, importance, or position
Usage: formal; grammatical contexts
2. relating to or expressing grammatical subordination
Usage: linguistics; grammar

Examples

• The subordinative clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
• His subordinative role in the company limited his decision-making authority.
• The subordinative relationship between the departments was clearly defined.
• She analyzed the subordinative structures in the complex sentence.
• The subordinative nature of the position required constant supervision.
• Subordinative conjunctions introduce dependent clauses.