superiority

USAGE SUMMARY

'superiority' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to a feeling or belief that one is better or superior to others. For example, "The team had a sense of superiority over their opponents, believing they could easily defeat them in the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Global Development

Film

Politics

Lifestyle

Books

Culture

Business

Economics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the constant pursuit of the economic and military advantage and superiority which scientific invention and technology confer is an essential component of a world-view that changes the realities on the ground.

The Guardian

While we wait for the spirit of the children's adventure story to seep back into modern society, those of us who grew up on Malcolm Saville's books will remain convinced of his superiority, no matter what Enid Blyton fans say.

The Guardian - Opinion

Passes were misplaced or dropped, runners were not where ball-carriers expected them to be, a few lineouts malfunctioned and it was only in the scrum, invariably a source of succour against Australia, where they enjoyed manifest superiority, awarded seven free-kicks or penalties to none.

The Guardian - Sport

Combined with the development of shipping transportation, the west became intrepid explorers of the world, developed a world-view of racial superiority, which led it to achieve military and economic conquests that resulted in transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

The Guardian

In Russia, too, gay-bashing is a quasi-official policy, a mark of claimed superiority over the west.

The Guardian - Opinion

This change doesn't necessarily reach everybody, which is why there are young Conservatives and Ukippers and Kardashians in the world, all utterly convinced of their own utter superiority over everyone else.

The Guardian

"When everybody is somebody, nobody is anybody"; and the popularity of "positional goods" - acquired not for their utility but to reflect status - shows how attractive demonstrations of social superiority can be.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only superiority of neoliberalism lies in the power of the interests that sustain it.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is used to show their superiority to western medicines, which they say are made from chemicals and so can be harmful, but the claim is also used to suggest that there are no dangers involved in taking them.

The Guardian

Rivals in other agencies sensed an uncollegiate superiority.

The Guardian

Was she suggesting that Denis was perhaps using her white characters to demonstrate the moral superiority of the whites over the "savage" blacks in Africa in a situation of crisis?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "superiority", specify the area or aspect in which something or someone is superior to avoid ambiguity. For example, "technological superiority" or "moral superiority".

Common error

Avoid asserting "superiority" without providing evidence or clear criteria. Unsubstantiated claims can be perceived as arrogant or biased.

Linguistic Context

The word "superiority" functions primarily as a noun. It represents the state or quality of being superior, whether in ability, power, or position. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from military advantage to moral standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Economics

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superiority" is a noun denoting the state of being better than others, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used across various contexts, including news, business, and opinion pieces. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's crucial to provide clear justification when asserting "superiority" to avoid perceptions of arrogance. Related phrases like "ascendancy" and "preeminence" offer nuanced alternatives. Therefore, it's a word that should be used with precision and context-aware understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supremacy

Supremacy denotes the highest authority or power.

preeminence

Preeminence emphasizes being outstanding or surpassing all others in a particular field or quality.

ascendancy

Ascendancy suggests a position of dominant power or influence.

dominance

Dominance indicates control or power over others.

upper hand

Upper hand means having a controlling advantage.

advantage

Advantage refers to a favorable position or circumstance that confers a benefit.

edge

Edge implies a slight advantage over others.

excellence

Excellence focuses on the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

transcendence

Transcendence suggests surpassing ordinary limits.

leadership

Leadership denotes the ability to guide or direct others.

FAQs

How can I use "superiority" in a sentence?

You can use "superiority" to describe a state of being better than others, such as "The team demonstrated their superiority on the field" or "The company claimed a technological superiority over its competitors".

What are some synonyms for "superiority"?

Alternatives to "superiority" include "preeminence", "dominance", and "supremacy", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to claim "superiority" in business?

Claiming "superiority" can be effective in marketing, but it should be supported by factual evidence and avoid misleading claims. Focus on specific advantages rather than broad statements of /s/overall+superiority.

What is the difference between "superiority" and "excellence"?

"Superiority" implies being better than others, while "excellence" focuses on achieving a high standard of quality, regardless of comparison to others.