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

"There was no inferiority complex from Grimsby, far from it. If anything it was the other way around."

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

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

The public extended the idea of an inferiority complex to adults, too, and connected it with Napoleon’s historically contested stature.

From National Geographic • Nov. 22, 2023

There can be an inferiority complex that becomes internalized when you don’t get a chance to see yourself presented to the world as beautiful.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2023

I told him he had a big inferiority complex.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank