English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

inferiority

noun
1
The state of being lower in quality, rank, or ability than others.
"Years of harsh criticism left him with a lasting sense of inferiority."
"The company's inferiority in customer service cost it market share."

How to Use Inferiority

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe quality of being worse or lower-ranked than something else — often used for a feeling about yourself.

Common pairings
inferiority complex sense of inferiority feelings of inferiority

Word Forms

inferiorities plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “inferiority” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Years of harsh criticism left him with a lasting sense of _____.

Etymology

Built from inferior plus the noun-forming suffix -ity.

Related Words

Rhymes for inferiority

See all rhymes for inferiority →

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial