American English

How to pronounce hierarchical

adjectiveB2

haiERAHRkihkl

/ˌhaɪˈɚɑɹ.kɪ.kl̩/

4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.

organized in levels, with each level having a different amount of power, importance, or control

What to listen for

Hierarchical is commonly pronounced in two ways: with a light extra syllable before the strongest part, or more quickly without it. Both are natural in American English.

Usual pronunciation/ˌhaɪ.ɚˈɑɹ.kɪ.kl̩/

Shorter pronunciation/ˌhaɪˈɹɑɹ.kə.kl̩/

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adjective

organized in levels, with each level having a different amount of power, importance, or control

The company has a hierarchical structure.

The military is highly hierarchical.

Common phrases & grammar

hierarchical structure · hierarchical system · hierarchical organization · hierarchical relationship

be + hierarchical

hierarchical + noun

Related words & forms

hierarchynoun: a system of levels of power or importance hierarchicallyadverb: in a way that uses levels of power or importance