inferiority complex

American  

[in-feer-ee-awr-i-tee kom-pleks, -or-] / ɪnˌfɪər iˈɔr ɪ ti ˌkɒm plɛks, -ˈɒr- /

noun

Psychology.

1. an intense feeling of inferiority or inadequacy; low self-esteem, sometimes characterized by compensatory behaviors intended to bolster self-confidence.

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inferiority complex British  

noun

1. psychiatry a disorder arising from the conflict between the desire to be noticed and the fear of being humiliated, characterized by aggressiveness or withdrawal into oneself

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Etymology

Origin of inferiority complex

First recorded in 1920–25

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Compare meaning

How does inferiority-complex compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• superiority complex vs. inferiority complex

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inferiority complex

It’s an inferiority complex tempered by innovative breakthroughs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026

While reigning champions Canada rank second in the world, there is no reason for Britain to have an inferiority complex.

From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2024

“Becoming Karl,” which depicts the rivalry between Mr. Lagerfeld and his peer, Yves Saint Laurent, focuses on Mr. Lagerfeld’s apparently enormous inferiority complex and the two men’s rivalry for the love of Jacques de Bascher.

From New York Times ● Jun. 19, 2024

“There’s so many people that have an inferiority complex about, ‘We’re the University of Houston.’

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 11, 2024

The inferiority complex, he affirmed, was the greatest barrier to liberation.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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