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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
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
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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 22 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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