hierarchy HAHY-uh-rahr-kee noun WS #22

a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority; an arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness

1. In the military hierarchy, generals outrank colonels, who in turn outrank majors.
2. The social hierarchy of the ancient civilization placed nobles above merchants and farmers.
3. The company's hierarchy clearly defined who reported to whom and established clear chains of command.
4. The school's administrative hierarchy included the principal, vice-principals, and department heads.
5. The hierarchy of needs theory suggests that basic physiological needs must be met before higher-level needs.