superiority complex

noun

: an exaggerated opinion of oneself

Examples of superiority complex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the kind of inbuilt superiority complex that came through in Pereira’s comments inevitably lends the whole thing more frisson. Jack Lang, The Athletic, 7 July 2024 This one, however, takes devastating aim at a certain kind of liberal’s insufferable superiority complex. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 Written by a man suffering from superiority complex? Anushka Halve, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The Lake Superior account is known for its sassy takes and superiority complex. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2024 That's because a superiority complex is not diagnosable, according to the DSM-5. Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2024 Mental Health Narcissism and superiority complex have several traits in common. Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2024 Although Ethan explained everything, Harper still wasn’t sure whether or not to believe him—despite this couple having a superiority complex rooted in having always told each other the truth—until the penultimate episode. Time, 7 Dec. 2022 Still, England manager Gareth Southgate cautioned against any superiority complex on Thursday, reminding journalists that England had never beaten the U.S. in a major tournament. Time, 25 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superiority complex was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near superiority complex

Cite this Entry

“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superiority%20complex. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

superiority complex

noun
: an excessive striving for or pretense of superiority to compensate for supposed inferiority

More from Merriam-Webster on superiority 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!