yvlog

Advertisement

Advertisement

inferiority complex

[ in-feer-ee-awr-i-tee kom-pleks, -or- ]

noun

Psychology.
  1. an intense feeling of inferiority or inadequacy; low self-esteem, sometimes characterized by compensatory behaviors intended to bolster self-confidence. Compare superiority complex ( def ).


inferiority complex

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
“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
Discover More

yvlog History and Origins

Origin of inferiority complex1

First recorded in 1920–25
Discover More

Compare Meanings

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But more importantly, he's changed the perception around a team that had always been known for an inferiority complex that held them back in the past.

From

He denied that his crimes against his wife had been sparked by an inferiority complex or by a desire for revenge for an affair she had in the 1980s.

From

While reigning champions Canada rank second in the world, there is no reason for Britain to have an inferiority complex.

From

He’s a walking inferiority complex, compensating with random acts of violence, like a Caligula fanboy, and looks ready at any minute to pop off like Vesuvius.

From

If you thought they were beefing over some rapper inferiority complexes — you were wrong.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement