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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
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
His construct of a post-civilization fable conveys a weird Down Under exoticism that, since such movies as Walkabout, Outback, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, and The True History of the Kelly Gang is probably linked to Australia’s penal-colony inferiority complex.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for inferiority complex
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Word History
First Known Use
1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of inferiority complex was
in 1922
Dictionary Entries Near inferiority complex
Cite this Entry
“Inferiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inferiority%20complex. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on inferiority complex
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inferiority complex
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