subagent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “subagent” mean?
A person appointed by a primary agent to act on their behalf in a specific transaction or capacity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person appointed by a primary agent to act on their behalf in a specific transaction or capacity.
An agent whose authority is delegated by another agent; a subordinate representative, often in business, law, or real estate. In some contexts, can refer to a subsidiary software or program acting as an agent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Usage is most prominent in real estate, insurance, and legal sectors in both varieties. Slightly more common in American commercial and franchise law contexts.
Connotations
Neutral professional term. May imply limited authority or a more localized role compared to the primary agent.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use; medium frequency within specific professional domains like real estate law and franchising.
Grammar
How to Use “subagent” in a Sentence
[Agent] appointed/authorised [Subagent] to [Action][Subagent] for [Company/Principal][Subagent] acting on behalf of [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subagent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The agent cannot subagent his responsibilities without written consent.
- The contract forbids the licensee to subagent the rights.
American English
- The firm decided to subagent the marketing work to local affiliates.
- Can we legally subagent this function?
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) Not typically used.
- N/A
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) Not typically used.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The subagent role is clearly defined in the agreement.
- They discussed subagent liability.
American English
- She entered into a subagent relationship with the broker.
- The subagent agreement was signed yesterday.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
An individual or firm granted limited authority by a main sales agent to conduct business in a specific territory.
Academic
Studied in law and economics regarding agency theory, delegation, and liability.
Everyday
Rarely used. Might be encountered in contracts or when buying/selling property.
Technical
In software/ML, an agent module controlled by a higher-level agent.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subagent”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subagent”
- Using 'subagent' to mean 'substitute agent' (a replacement). It means a delegated agent, not a temporary stand-in.
- Confusing who is liable: the principal is usually liable for the acts of the subagent if the agent had authority to appoint one.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A co-agent is appointed directly by the principal to work alongside another agent. A subagent is appointed by an existing agent, creating a chain of delegation.
Typically, the appointing agent pays the subagent from the commission or fee received from the principal, unless the contract specifies otherwise.
Generally, no, unless the original agreement with the principal agent explicitly permits further delegation (sub-subagency). This is rare due to increased complexity and liability.
A real estate subagent is a broker/salesperson appointed by the listing agent to help sell a property. They owe fiduciary duties to the seller (the listing agent's client), not the buyer. This model has become less common due to the rise of buyer's agents.
A person appointed by a primary agent to act on their behalf in a specific transaction or capacity.
Subagent is usually formal / technical in register.
Subagent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbeɪdʒ(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌeɪdʒənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUBordinate AGENT' – an agent working under another agent.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRANCH OFFICE (extending the reach of the main office but under its control).
Practice
Quiz
In agency law, a subagent's primary relationship is typically with: