Workplace Dynamics Vocabulary

adjective showing a tendency to form exclusive groups and exclude others

• The exclusive country club was known for its cliquish atmosphere, making it difficult for new members to feel welcome.
• I tried to join the group of moms at school, but they were so cliquish and never let anyone else in.
• The cool kids at school were so cliquish, always hanging out together and ignoring everyone else.
• The industry was known for being cliquish, with only those who were well-connected able to succeed.

adjective adjective describes a noun or pronoun by giving more information about their qualities, characteristics, or features. In this case, 'harsh' describes something that is severe, rough, or unpleasant.

• The judge gave a harsh sentence to the criminal.
• My mom can be pretty harsh when I don't clean my room.
• The teacher's grading was so harsh, I barely passed the test.
• The harsh reality of the situation hit me hard.

verb to regard or treat with disdain or contempt

• It is not appropriate to look down upon others based on their social status.
• Don't look down upon people just because they have different interests than you.
• Stop looking down on him just because he doesn't have a fancy car.
• In the eyes of the boss, those who gossip are looked down upon as untrustworthy.

noun a person who has authority, control, or power over others

verb to behave in a domineering or superior manner towards others

• He tends to lord it over his subordinates in the office, often micromanaging their every move.
• She always tries to lord it over her friends by showing off her expensive possessions.
• Don't let him lord it over you like that, stand up for yourself!
• The wealthy elite continue to lord it over the working class, maintaining their power and influence.

adjective showing a lack of attention or care; negligent

• The neglectful behavior of the caregiver led to serious consequences for the child.
• She was neglectful of her responsibilities and ended up in trouble.
• He's so neglectful, always forgetting to do his chores.
• The neglectful attitude towards the environment will have long-term effects on future generations.

adjective showing an excessive concern with unimportant details or minor faults

• The petty cash fund should only be used for small, incidental expenses.
• I can't believe she's still upset over such a petty argument.
• Stop being so petty about it, it's not a big deal.
• His petty behavior was like a dark cloud hanging over the office.

verb to pretend to be ignorant or unaware of something

adjective acting in a way that makes one appear unintelligent or unaware

• It is not ethical to play dumb in a professional setting.
• I saw you play dumb when the teacher asked about the missing homework.
• Don't play dumb with me, I know you were involved in the prank.
• She tried to play dumb, but we all knew she was the mastermind behind the scheme.

noun a person under the authority or control of another within an organization

verb to treat or regard as of lesser importance or rank

adjective lower in rank or position

• The subordinate reported directly to the manager.
• The junior employee answers to the boss.
• The underling is responsible for completing the task.
• The smaller cog in the machine is the subordinate in this situation.

adjective Harsh describes the behavior or actions of someone towards another person.

pronoun Someone refers to an unspecified person who is the recipient of the harsh treatment.

preposition On is used to indicate the target or recipient of the harsh treatment.

• The teacher was being quite harsh on the student for not completing the assignment on time.
• Why are you being so harsh on him? He's just trying his best.
• Man, she's really laying it on him, being so harsh on someone for no reason.
• Life can be harsh on someone who doesn't learn from their mistakes.