# inferiority

/ˌɪnfɪɹiˈɔɹɪˌti/ (US) · /ɪnfˌiəɹɪˈɒɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inferiority
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a feeling that you are not as good as other people. It can also describe a situation where one thing is of lower quality than another.

For teachers: a state or condition of being of lower quality, rank, or value than another. Often refers to a psychological state of feeling less capable or less worthy than others.

## Examples

- He felt a deep sense of inferiority after losing the competition.
- The company's new product is technically inferior to its competitor's, but it is much cheaper for the average consumer.
- The psychological concept of inferiority often manifests in a person's belief that they are fundamentally flawed or unworthy of success, regardless of their actual achievements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.