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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!