Inferior Meaning and Definition
Inferior
Pronunciation
/ˈɪˌfriər/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Of, relating to, or situated below the normal or expected level; lower in quality, rank, or status.
Examples
- The inferior college had lower graduation rates than the top-tier university.
- The inferior design of the new gadget was criticized by tech experts.
Synonyms
- Lower
- Subpar
- Unsatisfactory
Antonyms
- Superior
- Excelling
- Superb
Etymology
The word “inferior” comes from the Latin “inferior,” meaning “lower” or “below.” It was first used in English in the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Inferior is often used to describe something that is lacking in quality, rank, or status. It can also be used to describe a person who is considered to be of lower social class or status.
Cultural References
Inferior has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the character Hamlet refers to his uncle Claudius as “inferior” due to his usurpation of the throne.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- A step down
- Below par
Related Words or Phrases
- Superior
- Lower
- Subpar
Collocations
- Inferior quality
- Inferior performance
- Inferior design
Frequency of Use
Inferior is a commonly used word in modern language, particularly in contexts where quality or ranking is being evaluated.
Common Misspellings
- Error
- Inferiour