inferior

[ɪnˈfɪəriər]

inferior Definition

• 1. lower in rank, status, or quality
• 2. not 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

Antonyms for inferior

• superior
• excellent
• first-rate

Idioms Using inferior

• play second fiddle (to someone)

  to be in a subordinate or inferior position to someone else

  Example

  I don't want to play second fiddle to anyone in this company.

• the lesser of two evils

  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.

• put someone/something in their place

  to remind someone of their inferior position or status

  Example

  The boss put the new employee in their place by criticizing their work in front of everyone.

Phrases with inferior

• inferiority complex

  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.

• inferior goods

  goods whose demand increases as consumer income decreases

  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'

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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.