superiority complex

American  

[suh-peer-ee-awr-i-tee kom-pleks, -or-, soo-] / səˌpɪər iˈɔr ɪ ti ˌkɒm plɛks, -ˈɒr-, sʊ- /

noun

Psychology.

1. an exaggerated feeling of superiority to others, characterized by arrogant or overbearing behavior.

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superiority complex British  

noun

1. informal an inflated estimate of one's own merit, usually manifested in arrogance

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Etymology

Origin of superiority complex

First recorded in 1920–25

Compare meaning

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

• superiority complex vs. inferiority complex

Example Sentences

Mr. Metcalfe, who had originally cast Mr. Linville, said he wanted an actor who could play a much more formidable surgeon with a superiority complex.

From New York Times

This can veer into an intellectual superiority complex.

From Scientific American

The dire conditions of orangutans and other great apes in the wild are a testament to a failure of human stewardship of our planet, much to the contrary of the human superiority complex.

From Salon

“San Francisco has a superiority complex, but Miami has an inferiority complex.”

From New York Times

“France has a superiority complex,” Mr. Delattre added, “especially when it comes to the health sector.”

From New York Times