inferior 1 of 2

noun

Definition of inferiornext
as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another she is nice to her inferiors as well as to her superiors

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inferior

2 of 2

adjective

in-ˈfir-ē-ər How to pronounce inferior (audio)
1
as in lower
situated lower down creatures that inhabit the dark, inferior depths of the ocean

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2
as in minor
of little or less value or merit a girl who has always felt inferior to her older sister

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3
as in low
belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank at one time, the upper crust liked to believe that inferior people were fit only to be servants

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4
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard an inferior science textbook that was out-of-date the day that it was published

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5
as in lesser
having not so great importance or rank as another an inferior officer cannot strike a superior under any circumstances

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6
as in poor
of low quality inferior chocolate candy that no serious chocolate lover would think of eating

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inferior
Noun
Someone briskly assessing workmanship or disparaging a social inferior? — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 That comes to the Philippines in the form of war, as well as through the invocation, or establishment, of American-style modes of government and education that place Filipinos along this racial hierarchy, identifying them as these inferiors that need to be taught how to govern themselves. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The Chiefs went on to emerge victorious 24-10, but like the offense, the defense’s focus now will be identifying how an inferior team that lost its star player early managed to stay involved until late in the fourth quarter. — Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026 The same can be said for TCU’s offense as well after the past two games against inferior opponents. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inferior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inferior
  1. subordinate
  2. lower
  3. minor
  4. low
  5. unacceptable
  6. lesser
  7. poor
  8. mean
Noun
  • And, one of Thompson’s subordinates knew that Rusinowski may have been stealing meds a month before Thompson found out and didn’t say anything, the attorneys stated.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Trump’s subordinates have been hinting for months that ICE agents or other federal officers may turn up at polling places on Election Day.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of subordinate
Adjective
  • Despite those lower court rulings, the practice has continued nationally, said Gregory Chen, the senior director of government relations for the Immigration Lawyers Association.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
  • And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.
    — Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024
Definition of lower
Adjective
  • Charlie Weasley is a minor character in the books and does not appear in the films, so the HBO series is straying from the movies regarding Ron Weasley’s older brother.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • If winner is deemed to be a minor under the jurisdiction of his/her residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who must execute the necessary affidavit and release and, if applicable,.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of minor
Adjective
  • Landrew came off the bench for the first time this preseason and used his physicality to get to the basket for a pair of layups in the first half while Oskar Giltay battled with 7-foot-4 Daniel Jacobsen down low.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The distance is worth it for travelers who want a budget-friendly hotel that still has loads of style, as prices tend to be significantly lower than downtown hotels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of low
Adjective
  • These efforts should be lauded because lawyering solely to please Trump without an iota of reasonableness according to prescribed rules of law to which all lawyers must adhered is simply unacceptable.
    — Miles J. Zaremski, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But critics, like the Civic Federation, are denouncing the budget plan, calling it an unacceptable abdication of responsibility to meet the fiscal realities facing the city.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    — Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
    — Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of lesser
Adjective
  • Disease that has spread to those organs is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • They were frustrated with teacher shortages and poor conditions at schools, including overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated buildings.
    — James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • Or the sexologist who makes a mean flan and knows how to push people’s buttons in ‘The Invite’?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the interactions are so sweet, and then some of them are a little bit more embarrassing or aggressive or mean.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of mean

Browse Nearby Words

inferential
inferior
inferiority
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Cite this Entry

“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inferior. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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