inferiority

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inferiority' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the feeling that one is not as good as someone else, or to refer to something that is of lower quality than something else. For example, "Many people feel a sense of inferiority when compared to those around them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For many Africans, the whole ideology that the western world was more sophisticated became internalised into a kind of inferiority complex.

The Guardian

Outsiders, on the other hand, may want to go easy on what appears to be the inferiority complex of a country that has never quite overcome the impact of huge losses of people and territory after the first world war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ukraine's problems in standing up to Russia militarily revolve not just around its numerical inferiority - but where its assets are stationed, military experts say.

The Guardian

This may have drawn the SEC's attention.Under all the oversell, an inferiority complex drove him.

The Economist

One invokes feelings of superiority close to contempt, the other inferiority and envy.

The Economist

His latest book describes how Japan's Class A war criminals were actually victims.Titles by other authors explain why South Korea is "the nuisance neighbour" with an inferiority complex towards Japan, and why the Chinese are hated around the world: they are self-centred, have boorish manners (spitting, never queuing) and spread disease.

The Economist

The latter's growing economic inferiority may have been at the root of the reluctance of the Northern elite to rely upon market mechanisms or to relinquish control over the distribution of oil revenue.So it seems like people in the south did best because of better economic policy.

The Economist

But Greece's auction of six-month treasury bills on July 13th turned inferiority into a cause for celebration.

The Economist

Professor Meek grew up on the Gaelic-speaking island of Tiree, but says his parents thought it was "not worth the bother" for him to learn the language.Welsh suffered from the same inferiority complex but managed to overcome it.

The Economist

Wherever there is no explanation for genius, or perceived beauty, or sudden comfort, or for the way a line or phrase ignites the heart, angels provide one.Wrestling and resistingThey are also held accountable for less comfortable feelings: inferiority, shame, terror, impossibility of achievement.

The Economist

When the borough's beloved Dodgers departed for Los Angeles in 1957, their going left Brooklyn with perhaps the biggest inferiority complex in sport.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, clearly define the parameters when comparing "inferiority" of one element to another. State the specific metric that determines "inferiority".

Common error

Avoid attributing failure solely to "inferiority" without exploring other contributing factors. Overlooking external constraints or systemic issues can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The noun "inferiority" primarily functions to denote a state of being lower in status, quality, or merit. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing numerical inferiority, economic inferiority, or feelings of inferiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "inferiority" is a versatile term used to describe a state of being lower in quality, status, or ability, with Ludwig AI confirming its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science. The word serves to highlight disparities and analyze their causes, fitting best in a neutral register. When using "inferiority", it's important to clearly define the criteria for comparison to avoid misinterpretation. Common errors include attributing outcomes solely to "inferiority" without considering other factors. Related terms include "subordination" and "inadequacy", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. In essence, understanding the context is key to employing "inferiority" accurately and sensitively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subordination

Implies a hierarchical structure where one entity is ranked lower than another.

inadequacy

Suggests a lack of the necessary qualities to meet a need or requirement.

lower status

Focuses on the societal or organizational position of something or someone.

lesser value

Highlights the reduced worth or importance of something.

second-class status

Highlights the less privileged or esteemed position compared to others.

low quality

Refers specifically to the poor standard or grade of something.

disadvantage

Indicates a condition or situation that puts someone in an unfavorable position.

weakness

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness.

deficiency

Points out a lack or shortage of something essential.

shortcoming

Indicates a fault or failure to meet a certain standard.

FAQs

How to use "inferiority" in a sentence?

You can use "inferiority" to describe a state of being lower in status, quality, or ability. For example, "The team's "inferiority" in experience was evident during the competition."

What can I say instead of "inferiority"?

You can use alternatives like "subordination", "low quality", or "inadequacy" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "inferiority" or "lower quality"?

Both "inferiority" and "lower quality" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Inferiority" is a broader term that can refer to status, ability, or quality, while "lower quality" specifically refers to the standard or grade of something.

What's the difference between "inferiority" and "inadequacy"?

"Inferiority" generally implies a comparison to something else, suggesting a lower standing. "Inadequacy", on the other hand, suggests a lack of sufficient qualities or abilities for a specific purpose, without necessarily comparing it to something else.