inferior to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inferior to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is of lower quality, status, or value than the other. Example: "In terms of performance, this model is inferior to the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He remembers feeling inferior to his neighbors.

The New Yorker

"Woman is inferior to man.

The Guardian

Significantly inferior to the Russian mozzarella options.

The Guardian

Who here feels inferior to that?

The New York Times

Somehow you feel inferior to everybody else.

The New York Times

German aviators inferior to the British.

The New Yorker

Such plans are inferior to defined benefits.

The New York Times

"Hatchery fish are genetically inferior to wild fish.

The New York Times

For many millennials, products are considered inferior to services.

The New Yorker

How is the translation inferior to the original?

The Guardian - Books

But it is very inferior to writing -- very, very.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inferior to", ensure you clearly define the criteria for comparison. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "inferior than"; the correct construction is always "inferior to". "Than" is used for comparisons without the sense of hierarchy or established scale that "to" provides.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inferior to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that one thing is of lower quality, rank, or status than another. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inferior to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is of lower quality, rank, or status compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is well-established in diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "lesser than" and "not as good as" exist, "inferior to" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various situations. Remember to avoid the common error of using "inferior than". By understanding its function and communicative purpose, you can effectively use "inferior to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser than

Focuses on a smaller degree or amount.

not as good as

Emphasizes a lack of quality or effectiveness.

subordinate to

Highlights a lower rank or position in a hierarchy.

below par compared to

Indicates a failure to meet a standard or expectation.

deficient in relation to

Stresses a lack of necessary qualities or elements.

outclassed by

Implies a significant difference in skill or ability.

second-rate compared with

Highlights the poor quality of something.

of lower standing than

Emphasizes the importance of something.

inadequate next to

Underlines the insufficiency of something.

pales in comparison to

Highlights the lack of importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "inferior to" in a sentence?

Use "inferior to" to compare two items where one is of lower quality, rank, or value. For example, "This product is "inferior to" the previous model because it lacks key features."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "inferior to"?

You can use alternatives such as "lesser than", "not as good as", or "subordinate to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "inferior than" instead of "inferior to"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""inferior to"". Using "than" is a common mistake, but "to" is the correct preposition to use with "inferior".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "inferior to"?

The phrase ""inferior to"" is appropriate in contexts where you want to indicate that something is of lower quality, status, or effectiveness compared to something else. It can be used in formal writing, technical reports, or everyday conversation.