American English
/ˈhaɪ.ɚˌɑɹ.ki/
4 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
A system in an organization in which people have different levels of power or authority.
“Hierarchy” is commonly pronounced /ˈhaɪ.ɚˌɑɹ.ki/, and you may also hear /ˈhaɪ.əˌɹɑɹ.ki/. Some speakers use the shorter form /ˈhaɪˌɹɑɹ.ki/.
A system in an organization in which people have different levels of power or authority.
She moved up the hierarchy quickly.
The company has a strict hierarchy.
corporate hierarchy · organizational hierarchy · strict hierarchy · top of the hierarchy
move up/down the hierarchy
the hierarchy of + organization
A system that puts people or things into levels, from higher to lower or from more important to less important.
The chart shows a hierarchy of needs.
Animals form a social hierarchy.
social hierarchy · a clear hierarchy · hierarchy of needs
a hierarchy of + noun
ranked in a hierarchy
a model that arranges human needs from basic needs to higher-level needs
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often shown as a pyramid.
in the highest position in a ranked system
She is at the top of the hierarchy.
get a higher position in an organization or ranked system
He moved up the hierarchy after five years.
The plural changes final -y to -ies: hierarchies.