superiority complex

noun

: an exaggerated opinion of oneself

Examples of superiority complex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, thanks to an infusion of new faces and a change in attitude, the superiority complex that once accelerated Italian soccer’s decline has finally given way to the acceptance that change must occur from within. David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Two of the leads hated each other — the British stage actor thought the scruffy newcomer was a snot-nosed punk, and his younger co-star felt the veteran thespian was a drunk with a superiority complex. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 The resort managers at the various White Lotus locations share a tight fuse and superiority complex. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025 Victoria’s power is sublimated, but her superiority complex is strong. Julia Whelan Emma Kehlbeck Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 Our guru would have abhorred any sense of superiority complex based on the fact that we were spared while others suffered. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 But the kind of inbuilt superiority complex that came through in Pereira’s comments inevitably lends the whole thing more frisson. Jack Lang, The Athletic, 7 July 2024 This one, however, takes devastating aim at a certain kind of liberal’s insufferable superiority complex. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 Written by a man suffering from superiority complex? Anushka Halve, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superiority complex was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Superiority complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superiority%20complex. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

superiority complex

noun
: an excessive striving for or pretense of superiority to compensate for supposed inferiority

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