English Reference

Word

superior

Phoneticssu·pe·ri·or, stress on the second syllable

US/suˈpɪɹiɝ/

UK/suːpˈiəɹɪɐ/

Definitions

01better quality

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. better in quality than other things of the same type.

adj. of higher quality, excellence, or value compared to others of its kind.

“The new leather is clearly superior to the cheap material we used last year.”

“The manufacturer claims that their synthetic insulation provides superior warmth-to-weight ratios compared to traditional down feathers.”

Antonyms

02higher rank

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having a higher position or rank in an organisation.

adj. higher in station, rank, or degree within a hierarchical structure.

“She had to get approval from a superior officer before making the change.”

“The sergeant reported the breach of protocol to a superior officer, as required by the military code of conduct.”

Synonyms

seniorhigher-ranking

03physical position

C1 · Advanced Medicine Technical

adj. located higher up on the body or in a specific space.

adj. situated above or in a higher position; in anatomy, referring to a structure nearer the head.

“The superior part of the heart is where the large blood vessels enter.”

“The superior vena cava is the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the right atrium.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

04a boss or manager

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who has a higher rank than you at work.

n. a person of higher rank or status, particularly a direct manager or a high-ranking member of a religious order.

“If you have a problem with the schedule, please speak to your immediate superior.”

“The employee felt that his superior had unfairly dismissed his suggestions during the quarterly review meeting.”

Antonyms

subordinateunderling

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “superior” in context.

Adjective

01. superior position

“He used his superior position within the company to influence the board's final decision.”

adj + noun

Usage

Often used with the possessive pronoun or the preposition 'to' when comparing ranks.

Real-World Examples

“His superior, Abdul Samad, shows us an unmarked graveyard, saying his father is buried here, killed fighting for the Taliban.”
BBC News 24 Aug 2026
“So far, though, there is no clear evidence that AI or other kinds of computer-based tutors are superior to human tutors , though in many cases they might be cheaper.”
The Conversation 13 Jul 2026

Word family

NOUN

Superior(C1)

Domains

AnatomyAstronomyBotanyMedicinePrinting

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference