hierarchical

• hierarchic, hierarchial

From hierarchy +‎ -ical, compare French hiérarchique.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌhaɪəˈɹɑːkɪkəl/
• (General American, Canada) IPA^(key): /ˌhaɪˈɹɑɹkɪkəl/

  • Audio (US):

    (file)

• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /ˌhɑɪˈɹɐːkɪkəl/, /ˌhɑɪˈɹaːkɪkəl/

hierarchical (not comparable)

1. Pertaining to a hierarchy.
2. Of or pertaining to an ecclesiastic or priestly order.
3. Classified or arranged according to various criteria into successive ranks or grades.

   It has been said that only a hierarchical society with a leisure class at the top can produce works of art.