# superiority

/ˌsupɪɹiˈɔɹɪti/ (US) · /suːpˌiəɹɪˈɒɹɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/superiority
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. being better or higher quality

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being better, stronger, or more effective than others.

For teachers: the state of being superior in quality, skill, or power. Uncountable in its abstract sense.

- The team proved their superiority by winning every game in the tournament.
- The technological superiority of the new aircraft allowed the company to secure the contract despite the higher production costs.

### 2. an arrogant attitude

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a feeling or way of behaving that shows you think you are better than other people.

For teachers: an attitude of conceit or superciliousness based on a belief in one's own higher status or intelligence.

- He spoke with an air of superiority that made his colleagues feel uncomfortable.
- Her quiet air of intellectual superiority often alienated her peers, who found her refusal to explain basic concepts condescending.

### 3. feudal land rights

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

in history, the legal right a lord had over land held by a lower-ranking person.

For teachers: the legal right or interest which a superior holds in land occupied by a vassal. Used primarily in historical or legal contexts regarding feudalism.

- The lord maintained his superiority over the village lands for many generations.
- Under the feudal system, the crown held the ultimate superiority of all lands, granting usage rights to nobles in exchange for military service.

## Examples

- The team proved their superiority by winning every game.
- The company maintained its market superiority through constant innovation and aggressive pricing strategies.
- The general's air of intellectual superiority often alienated his subordinates, despite the undeniable success of his strategic maneuvers during the winter campaign.

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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.