Inferior

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɪriər/

Definitions of inferior

adjective lower in rank, status, or quality compared to something else

Example Sentences

A1 The quality of the product was inferior to what was advertised.

A2 She felt inferior to her classmates because of her low grades.

B1 The team's performance was hindered by their inferior equipment.

B2 The inferior team was easily defeated by their more skilled opponents.

C1 The company's inferior customer service led to a decrease in sales.

C2 The inferior materials used in construction resulted in a structurally unsound building.

Examples of inferior in a Sentence

formal The quality of the materials used in this product is inferior compared to its competitors.

informal I don't like that brand, their stuff is always inferior.

slang That store sells inferior junk, don't waste your money there.

figurative Her sense of self-worth was so low that she always felt inferior to others.

Grammatical Forms of inferior

• past tense: inferiorized
• plural: inferiors
• comparative: more inferior
• superlative: most inferior
• present tense: inferior
• future tense: will be inferior
• perfect tense: have been inferior
• continuous tense: being inferior
• singular: inferior
• positive degree: inferior
• infinitive: to be inferior
• gerund: inferioring
• participle: inferiorized

Origin and Evolution of inferior

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'inferior' originated from the Latin word 'inferior' which means lower or beneath.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'inferior' has retained its meaning of lower in rank or quality, but has also taken on connotations of being lesser or subordinate in a variety of contexts.