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
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.
In psychology, these feelings of insecurity or inadequacy are referred to as an inferiority complex. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 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 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 23 Dec. 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

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