Submissive Meaning and Examples

Submissive means easily yielding to the authority or will of others and tending to be passive or obedient rather than assertive. It can also refer to a person who willingly submits to the control or dominance of another person.

When to use it

People use 'submissive' to describe someone who is inclined or willing to submit to authority or the will of others. It can also be used to describe behavior that is obedient, passive, or docile. This term can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation and the intention behind it. For example, submissive behavior may be desirable in a professional or personal setting where respecting hierarchy or following instructions is crucial. However, it can also be viewed as a negative trait when it is associated with oppression or lack of agency.

Example sentences

The new employee seemed submissive during the meeting.
She was unhappy in her relationship because she felt too submissive.
The dog was submissive when his owner approached.
He acted submissive around his boss, always agreeing with everything.
The submissive behavior of the child concerned the teacher.
The therapist advised her client to become less submissive in her marriage.
She felt uncomfortable being too submissive to her boss.
He found it hard to respect someone who was always so submissive.
The submissive nature of the group made decision-making difficult.
She refused to be submissive to anyone, even her superiors at work.

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