Adlerian

adjective

Ad·​le·​ri·​an äd-ˈlir-ē-ən 

ad-

: of, relating to, or being a theory and technique of psychotherapy emphasizing the importance of feelings of inferiority, a will to power, and overcompensation in neurotic processes

Examples of Adlerian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aided by its curious title, The Courage To Be Disliked is a parabolic conversation between a youth and a philosopher designed to explicate the intersection of Greek philosophy and Adlerian psychology. —Tim Maurer, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

The Courage to Be Disliked is based on Adlerian theory, a psychology created by Austrian psychotherapist, Alfred Adler, that encourages people to embrace the possibility of being disliked by others in order to live more freely. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024

Dennis and Bottome treated him as a laboratory subject for Adlerian therapy, with Adler helping from afar. —Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Alfred adler + -ian entry 2

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Adlerian

• caesarian
• cyclopean
• empyrean
• euclidean
• european
• grammarian
• hercynian
• huronian
• jacobean
• kampuchean
• maccabean
• manichaean

Medical Definition

Adlerian

adjective

Ad·​le·​ri·​an ad-ˈlir-ē-ən  äd- 

: of, relating to, or being a theory and technique of psychotherapy emphasizing the importance of feelings of inferiority, a will to power, and overcompensation in neurotic processes