inferiority
UK[ɪnˌfɪəriˈɒrəti]US[ɪnˌfɪriˈɔːrəti]
n
the state of being lower in rank, status, or quality than another or others.
n
feelings of having lower social status and a lack of self-confidence.
Morpheme Breakdown
inferior
ity
inferior
lower
ity
state or condition
Etymology
the word 'inferiority' is a direct inheritance from late latin 'inferioritas', which was formed from the classical latin adjective 'inferior' meaning 'lower'. the root 'inferus' (low, below) is itself derived from the proto-indo-european root ndher-, meaning 'under'. the suffix '-ity', entering english via old french '-ité' from latin '-itas', systematically converts adjectives into abstract nouns denoting a quality or state. thus, the literal construction 'lower-ness' evolved into the modern abstract concept of a condition of being lower in rank or quality, and later, the psychological state of feeling inadequate.
Analysis
Structure: inferior (lower) + ity (state or condition)
- inferior: from latin 'inferior', the comparative form of 'inferus' meaning 'low, below'. functions as the core adjective root.
- ity: from latin '-itas', a suffix forming nouns indicating a state or condition. functions as a noun-forming suffix.
Examples
his constant teasing exacerbated her feelings of inferiority.
the technical inferiority of their equipment put them at a significant disadvantage.
a sense of social inferiority can sometimes drive ambitious achievement.