1
: of poor quality : low or lower in quality
inferior goods/materials/products
an inferior performer/performance
These pearls are of inferior quality.
—often + toThese pearls are inferior (in quality) to others I have seen.
2
: of little or less importance or value
They were considered a socially inferior group.
He always felt inferior around his brother.
—often + toHe always felt inferior to his brother.
3
: low or lower in rank
The judges voted to overturn a ruling made by an inferior court.
plural inferiors
: a person of low rank or status
She treated her employees as social inferiors.
Cite this Entry
“Inferior.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inferior. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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