1. military officers below the rank of captain
Usage: military
2. people of lower rank or status; subordinates
Usage: formal

Examples

• The colonel briefed his subalterns on the mission details.
• Young subalterns were eager to prove themselves in battle.
• The general promoted several capable subalterns to captain.
• In the rigid hierarchy, subalterns had little decision-making power.
• The experienced sergeant often mentored new subalterns.
• Colonial administrators relied heavily on local subalterns for daily operations.