inferiority complex

[ in-feer-ee-awr-i-tee kom-pleks, -or- ]

noun

, Psychology.

1. an intense feeling of inferiority or inadequacy; low self-esteem, sometimes characterized by compensatory behaviors intended to bolster self-confidence. Compare superiority complex ( def ).

inferiority complex

noun

1. psychiatry a disorder arising from the conflict between the desire to be noticed and the fear of being humiliated, characterized by aggressiveness or withdrawal into oneself

Word History and Origins

Origin of inferiority complex¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

He denied that his crimes against his wife had been sparked by an inferiority complex or by a desire for revenge for an affair she had in the 1980s.

From BBC

While reigning champions Canada rank second in the world, there is no reason for Britain to have an inferiority complex.

From BBC

He’s a walking inferiority complex, compensating with random acts of violence, like a Caligula fanboy, and looks ready at any minute to pop off like Vesuvius.

From Los Angeles Times

If you thought they were beefing over some rapper inferiority complexes — you were wrong.

From Salon

“There’s so many people that have an inferiority complex about, ‘We’re the University of Houston.’

From Seattle Times