inferiority
Being below others
Inferiority is the state of being lower in rank, quality, or importance.
Someone in a position of inferiority answers to those above them.
An inferiority complex is a persistent sense of inadequacy, often compensated for by aggression or withdrawal: His arrogance masks a deep inferiority.
The word implies comparison—inferior to something or someone else.
Uncertainty about oneself
- self-doubtUncertainty about oneself
- worthlessnessLack of any value
- self-deprecationBelittling oneself deliberately
- shamePainful awareness of failure
self-consciousness · inadequacy · self-criticism · vulnerability · defeatism · timidity · diffidence · unworthiness
Having too little
- substandardBelow required quality
- mediocreOf only moderate quality
- subparBelow acceptable quality
- second-rateBelow acceptable standards
poor · flawed · inadequate · unsatisfactory · lacking · wanting · imperfect · lesser
Lower in degree
- worseMore unfavorable than before
- poorerLess well-off
- weakerDiminished in force
- belowAt a lower position
beneath · subordinate · disadvantaged · outclassed · outranked · overshadowed · eclipsed · surpassed
One lower in rank
- underlingPerson of lower rank
- juniorLower in standing
- lesserLower in degree
- second-classLower in rank
bottom-tier · low-status · subservient · beneath · minor · lower · subsidiary · ancillary
Inherited social division
- classGrouping by shared traits
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- standingPosition, physical or social
- stationFixed stopping point
stratum · status · marginalization · discrimination · oppression · subjugation · inequality · disparity
insecurity
Uncertainty about oneself
- self-doubtUncertainty about oneself
- worthlessnessLack of any value
- self-deprecationBelittling oneself deliberately
shame · self-consciousness · inadequacy · self-criticism · vulnerability · defeatism · timidity · diffidence · unworthiness · self-contempt
deficient
Having too little
- substandardBelow required quality
- mediocreOf only moderate quality
- subparBelow acceptable quality
second-rate · poor · flawed · inadequate · unsatisfactory · lacking · wanting · imperfect · lesser · cheap
lesser
Lower in degree
below · beneath · subordinate · disadvantaged · outclassed · outranked · overshadowed · eclipsed · surpassed · outperformed
subordinate
One lower in rank
second-class · bottom-tier · low-status · subservient · beneath · minor · lower · subsidiary · ancillary · vassal
caste
Inherited social division
station · stratum · status · marginalization · discrimination · oppression · subjugation · inequality · disparity · underclass
- humilityhumbleness, humble, meekness, modesty, modest
- insecuritiesinsecurity, self-doubt, low self-esteem, inadequacy, self-consciousness
- qualityquality, excellence, grade, caliber, finest
- reputationreputation, reputable, bad reputation, repute, disreputable
- statusstatus, prestige, ranking, reputation, elite
- weaknessesweakness, flaw, failing, defect, shortcoming
inferioritysuperiority
Higher rank or quality
supremacy · predominance · ascendancy · primacy · preeminence
inferioritysuperiority
Higher rank or quality
excellence · quality · perfection · distinction · premium quality
inferioritysuperiority
Higher rank or quality
superiority complex · confidence · self-assurance · self-worth · self-esteem
- inferiority complexChronic sense of inadequacy
- inferiority complexesBeliefs of being lesser