inferior Definition
- 1lower in rank, status, or quality
- 2not good or not as good as someone or something else
Using inferior: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inferior" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The quality of the product was inferior to what was advertised.
Example
He always felt inferior to his older brother.
Example
The team's performance was inferior to their opponents'.
inferior Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for inferior
- substandard
- poor
- mediocre
- low-quality
- second-rate
Idioms Using inferior
Example
I don't want to play second fiddle to anyone in this company.
a situation where one choice is not good, but it is better than the other choice
Example
I don't like either candidate, but I guess I'll vote for the lesser of two evils.
Example
The boss put the new employee in their place by criticizing their work in front of everyone.
Phrases with inferior
a persistent feeling of inadequacy or a tendency to self-doubt due to a perceived lack of self-worth
Example
His inferiority complex made him feel like he was never good enough.
inferiority/superiority complex
an unrealistic feeling of being less/more important, successful, or talented than one actually is
Example
Her superiority complex made her think she was better than everyone else.
Example
Ramen noodles are an example of an inferior good because people tend to buy more of them when they have less money.
Origins of inferior
from Latin 'inferior', meaning 'lower'
Summary: inferior in Brief
The term 'inferior' [ɪnˈfɪəriər] describes something that is lower in rank, status, or quality. It can refer to products, people, or performance, as in 'The team's performance was inferior to their opponents'.' 'Inferior' also has idiomatic uses, such as 'play second fiddle (to someone),' meaning to be in a subordinate position, and 'put someone/something in their place,' meaning to remind someone of their inferior status.