Inferior
Lower in rank, quality, or value; not as good as something else; beneath in importance or status.
adjectiveInferior
Lower in rank, quality, or value; not as good as something else; beneath in importance or status.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine two bicycles: a gleaming premium bike labeled 'Superior' and a plain, worn-out bike labeled 'Inferior.' The inferior bike has scratched paint, a squeaky seat, and tires that look a little deflated, clearly lower in quality.
Sounds Like
in-FEER-ee-ər
Looks Like
looks like the word 'inferior' with the comparative '-ior' ending; opposite of 'superior'
Remember This
Inferior is the opposite of superior. It is commonly used to describe quality, performance, or rank. There are noun forms like 'inferior' (a person of lower status) and 'inferiority' (the state of being inferior).
Other Forms
Connect With
superior, higher, lower, subordinate, substandard
Note
In everyday speech, avoid using 'inferior' to describe people in a way that could be disrespectful; consider softer terms like 'lower-quality' when appropriate. The word is most often used in formal, evaluative contexts (quality, standards, rank).