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Inferiority: meaning, definitions and examples

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inferiority

 

[ ɪnˌfɪrɪˈɔːrɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feelings of inadequacy

The state of feeling lower in status or quality than others; the belief that one is not as good as others in a certain aspect. Inferiority can lead to low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

Synonyms

inadequacy, inferior, low self-esteem

Examples of usage

  • I have struggled with feelings of inferiority my whole life.
  • She always felt a sense of inferiority compared to her more successful siblings.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

A structure or organ that is less developed or less functional than a corresponding one in a higher animal or plant.

Synonyms

underdevelopment, undeveloped, vestigial

Examples of usage

  • The wings of flightless birds are often considered examples of inferiority.
  • The vestigial organs in humans are remnants of our evolutionary past.

Translations

Translations of the word "inferiority" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inferioridade

🇮🇳 हीनता

🇩🇪 Minderwertigkeit

🇮🇩 inferioritas

🇺🇦 меншовартість

🇵🇱 niższość

🇯🇵 劣等感 (rettōkan)

🇫🇷 infériorité

🇪🇸 inferioridad

🇹🇷 aşağılık duygusu

🇰🇷 열등감 (yeoldeunggam)

🇸🇦 دونية (donaya)

🇨🇿 minderwertigkeit

🇸🇰 menejcennosť

🇨🇳 自卑 (zìbēi)

🇸🇮 manjvrednost

🇮🇸 minnimáttarkennd

🇰🇿 кемсітушілік

🇬🇪 უმცირესობა (umciresoba)

🇦🇿 aşağılıq

🇲🇽 inferioridad

Etymology

The word 'inferiority' originates from the Latin word 'inferior,' which means lower in status or quality. The concept of inferiority has been studied in psychology, sociology, and biology, with a focus on how individuals perceive themselves in relation to others. Feelings of inferiority can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being, leading to issues such as low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

See also: inferiorly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,315, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.