infériorité
inferiority
noun an-feh-ree-oh-ree-TEH Rare
Origin: From Latin inferioritas.
Usage Note
Infériorité describes the state or quality of being lower in rank, ability, or worth. The phrase complexe d'infériorité (inferiority complex) — borrowed from Adlerian psychology — is well established in everyday French. Its antonym is supériorité. In sports contexts, en infériorité numérique means a team is playing with fewer players (short-handed).
Examples
"Elle ressentait un sentiment d'infériorité face à ses collègues."
Natural Translation
She felt a sense of inferiority compared to her colleagues.
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