adj
Common
inferior
ihn-FEER-ree-uh
Inferior (adj) means Lower in rank, quality, or importance than something or someone else. Example: “The reviewer called the sequel clearly inferior to the original film.”
adj
1
Lower in rank, quality, or importance than something or someone else.
"The reviewer called the sequel clearly inferior to the original film."
"He was never made to feel inferior just because he hadn't been to university."
"The cheaper paint was inferior in quality and peeled within a few months."
2
Situated lower down, especially in anatomy — closer to the feet than another part.
"The inferior surface of the lung sits just above the diaphragm."
"The doctor pressed on the inferior edge of the rib cage."
"In anatomy, the knee is inferior to the hip because it is nearer the feet."
noun
1
A person ranked or regarded as lower in status or ability.
"He always treated junior staff as inferiors rather than colleagues."
"She refused to see herself as anyone's inferior, whatever their job title."
"Snobs often look down on those they consider their inferiors."
How to use inferior
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorse, lower-ranked, or positioned below something else, depending on context.
Common mistake
Used with "to," not "than" — "inferior to the original," not "inferior than."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
inferior quality
inferior to
feel inferior
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Word forms
- Plural
- inferiors
- Comparative
- more inferior
- Superlative
- most inferior
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The reviewer called the sequel clearly _____ to the original film.
Etymology
From Latin inferior, "lower," the comparative form of inferus, "below."
Synonyms
View more →
subscript
BTEC
cheapie
cullionly
daddocky
less than
nonsuperior
poor man's
pound-shop
second best
suckworthy
sucky
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inferior
See all rhymes for inferior →Frequently asked questions
What does “inferior” mean?
The word “inferior” means lower in rank, quality, or importance than something or someone else. In plain terms, worse, lower-ranked, or positioned below something else, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “inferior”?
“Inferior” is pronounced ihn-FEER-ree-uh (/ɪnˈfɪɹ.i.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “inferior” in a sentence?
Here is “inferior” used in a sentence: “The reviewer called the sequel clearly inferior to the original film.”
What is another word for “inferior”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inferior” include BTEC, cheapie, cullionly, daddocky, less than and nonsuperior.
What is the opposite of “inferior”?
The opposite of “inferior” — its antonyms — are equivalent, noninferior and superior.
What part of speech is “inferior”?
Depending on how it is used, “inferior” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “inferior” come from?
The word “inferior” comes from Latin. From Latin inferior, "lower," the comparative form of inferus, "below.".
Is “inferior” a common word?
“Inferior” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between inferior and subordinate?
Inferior generally describes something lower in rank, quality, or importance, while subordinate specifically describes someone who reports to or works under another person in an organizational structure. A subordinate is not necessarily inferior in quality or worth, only lower in formal rank.
What does 'inferior' mean in anatomy?
In anatomy, inferior describes something situated lower down in the body, closer to the feet than another part, as opposed to 'superior,' which refers to a position closer to the head.
Is calling someone 'inferior' considered offensive?
Yes, describing a person as inferior can be considered demeaning or offensive because it implies they are lower in status or ability than others, so the term is generally avoided in respectful or formal address.
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