superiority complex

noun

: an exaggerated opinion of oneself

Examples of superiority complex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The Lake Superior account is known for its sassy takes and superiority complex. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2024 That's because a superiority complex is not diagnosable, according to the DSM-5. Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2024 Mental Health Narcissism and superiority complex have several traits in common. Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2024

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 14 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

superiority complex

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

More from Merriam-Webster on superiority complex

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