inferiority complex

noun

1

: an acute sense of personal inferiority often resulting either in timidity or through overcompensation in exaggerated aggressiveness

2

: a collective sense of cultural, regional, or national inferiority

Examples of inferiority complex in a Sentence

His shyness is the result of an inferiority complex.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a lot of resentment there, mostly from Kyle’s side, who still has an inferiority complex from the days of being the slob to Adam’s TV hunk, despite having ascended beyond his onetime screen partner on the comic-book movie ladder. —Jack King, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024

The concept of an inferiority complex was first introduced by Austrian psychotherapist Alfred Adler in 1907. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

So Carlos really focused on Saeki’s inferiority complex. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2024

Everything about the character — from his flamboyant helmet to his luxurious long hair — stems from his inferiority complex regarding his brother. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inferiority complex

noun

: a personal sense of being inferior that may be expressed by behavior that is either timid or aggressive

Medical Definition

inferiority complex

noun

: an acute sense of personal inferiority resulting either in timidity or through overcompensation in exaggerated aggressiveness