This is again a distinction which becomes important in case of a default. The senior bondholders have to be paid before the subordinate bondholders. This means that if the assets of the company are insufficient to pay all the debts, the senior bondholders would get whatever amount can be realized and then the subordinate bondholders will be paid from the available balance. If the assets are a little more, the senior bondholders may be paid in full and the subordinate bondholders may get partial payment.