1. organized in a system of ranks or levels, with each level subordinate to the one above it
2. relating to or characteristic of a hierarchy or system of authority

Examples

• The company has a hierarchical structure with a CEO at the top and managers below.
• In a hierarchical organization, decisions flow down from senior leadership.
• The military uses a hierarchical system of ranks and command.
• Some cultures value hierarchical relationships based on age and status.
• A hierarchical file system organizes folders and subfolders in nested levels.
• The school adopted a less hierarchical approach to encourage student input.