What does "inferior" mean?

1. (lower quality) not as good as something else. 2. (lower rank) having a lower position or status in a group or company. 3. (physical position) located below another part of the body or a structure. 4. (a subordinate person) someone who has a lower position or less power than someone else.

How do you use "inferior"?

Always used with the preposition 'to' when making a comparison. Often used in military or highly structured corporate contexts.

Is it correct to say "This model is inferior than the old one."?

No — say "This model is inferior to the old one.". The adjective 'inferior' always takes the preposition 'to', never 'than'.

inferior

adj. · n.

US //ˌɪnˈfɪɹiɝ// UK //ɪnfˈiəɹɪɐ// in·fe·ri·or

1 lower quality (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

not as good as something else.

lower in quality, value, or excellence compared to a standard or another item.

Example

The cheap fabric felt inferior to the high-quality cotton we usually buy.

Example

The critics argued that the sequel was vastly inferior to the original film, citing a weak script and uninspired performances.

Usage

Always used with the preposition 'to' when making a comparison.
- poorer
- substandard
- second rate
- superior
- better
Pitfall

This model is inferior than the old one.

This model is inferior to the old one.

The adjective 'inferior' always takes the preposition 'to', never 'than'.
2 lower rank (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

having a lower position or status in a group or company.

lower in station, rank, or degree within a hierarchical structure.

Example

He held an inferior rank in the army for many years before his promotion.

Example

The protocol dictated that officers of inferior rank must salute their superiors upon entering the barracks.

Usage

Often used in military or highly structured corporate contexts.
- junior
- subordinate
- lower level
- senior
- superior

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3 physical position (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

located below another part of the body or a structure.

situated under or beneath another part; in anatomy, situated nearer the soles of the feet.

Example

The doctor examined the inferior part of the patient's lung.

Example

The surgeon carefully identified the inferior vena cava to avoid any accidental damage during the abdominal procedure.
- lower
- underneath
- superior
4 a subordinate person (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

someone who has a lower position or less power than someone else.

a person who is lower than another in rank, status, or ability.

Example

She was always kind and respectful to her inferiors at work.

Example

The manager's tendency to belittle his inferiors in front of clients led to a significant drop in office morale.

Teacher's tip

This noun can sound cold or condescending in modern workplaces; 'subordinate' or 'junior staff' is often preferred.
- subordinate
- junior
- underling
- superior
- boss

Origin

Borrowed from Latin īnferior (“lower in situation or place”), comparative of īnferus (“below, underneath”).

Word family

Nouninferiority
Adjectiveinferior