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

Compare meaning

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

• superiority complex vs. inferiority complex

Example Sentences

Underlying all that is the fragile ego of a state whose outward brassiness is often a cover for an inferiority complex stoked by its glittering neighbor.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

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

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

Boygenius, “Not Strong Enough” Boasting about an inferiority complex makes for a paradox worth savoring in this tender yet walloping indie-rock anthem from the let’s-call-it-a-supergroup of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2023

As Farrell said earlier this week, Ireland had shed their inferiority complex and finally become comfortable being the best team in the world.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2023

I had been selfish and hyper-sensitive, a martyr to my own inferiority complex.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier