What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inferior
Example
The quality of the product was inferior to what was advertised. [inferior: adjective]
Example
She felt inferior to her classmates who had better grades. [inferior: adjective]
Example
The company's inferior customer service led to many complaints. [inferior: adjective]
mediocre
Example
The food at the restaurant was mediocre, nothing special. [mediocre: adjective]
Example
He gave a mediocre performance in the play, not standing out from the rest. [mediocre: adjective]
Example
The hotel's amenities were mediocre, not worth the price. [mediocre: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mediocre is more commonly used than inferior in everyday language. Mediocre is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while inferior is less common and more specific to describing substandard quality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inferior and mediocre?
Both inferior and mediocre are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings. However, inferior may be considered more formal due to its stronger negative connotation and specificity to quality comparison.
