superiority complex

[ suh-peer-ee-awr-i-tee kom-pleks, -or-, soo- ]

/ səˌpɪər iˈɔr ɪ ti ˌkɒm plɛks, -ˈɒr-, sʊ- /

Save This Word!

noun Psychology.

an exaggerated feeling of superiority to others, characterized by arrogant or overbearing behavior.Compare God complex, inferiority complex.

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of superiority complex

First recorded in 1920–25

Words nearby superiority complex

superior conjunction, superior court, superior general, superior goods, superiority, superiority complex, superior ovary, superior planet, superjacent, superjet, superjumbo

How to use superiority complex in a sentence

Her belief that she communicates directly with God gives her a superiority complex that further alienates her from the people showing her the greatest kindnesses.
One Good Thing: The gorgeous horror movie St. Maud finds religious ecstasy in self-destruction|Aja Romano|May 14, 2021|Vox
Like Joseph, Gurowski displayed a relentless superiority complex, eviscerating pretty much everyone in the Federal government.
President Lincoln’s Twitter Mole|Kevin Peraino|October 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
You know, that grinning skull we have stuck up all over the place to bolster up our superiority complex.
Ralestone Luck|Andre Norton
The superiority complex found in group known as science fiction fans is probably unequalled anywhere.
Futuria Fantasia, Fall 1939|Ray Bradbury

The first step in conquering this superiority complex is to realize that it is there.
Have We No Rights?|Mabel Williamson
There is one more thing we need to do in conquering that superiority complex.
Have We No Rights?|Mabel Williamson

British Dictionary definitions for superiority complex

superiority complex

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012