Submissive

/səbˈmɪsɪv/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive.

The dog is very submissive, always obeying its owner's commands without hesitation.

tending to yield to the control or authority of others.

In the hierarchical structure of the organization, she adopted a submissive role, allowing her manager to make all the decisions.

showing a willingness to submit to the will of others.

He had a submissive nature, often agreeing to plans even when he had his own preferences.

From Latin 'submissivus', from 'submittere' meaning 'to send under, to yield'.

submissive behavior

Behavior characterized by a willingness to obey others.

submissive partner

A partner in a relationship who takes a passive role.

submission

The act or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force.

subordinate

Lower in rank or position.

yielding

Giving way to pressure; not firm or strong.

Doormat

He lets everyone walk all over him; he's such a doormat.

Yes-man

In meetings, he's just a yes-man, agreeing with whatever the boss says.