English word

Inferior

Definitions

adjective

  1. of little or less importance, value, or merit
  2. of low or lower degree or rank
  3. of poor quality : mediocre
  4. situated lower down : lower
  5. situated below another and especially another similar superior part of an upright body
  6. situated in a relatively low posterior or ventral position in a quadrupedal body
  7. situated below another plant part or organ
  8. abaxial
  9. relating to or being a subscript

Synonyms for inferior

Closest evidence-backed alternatives.

  • lower
  • subordinate
  • secondary
  • ancillary

Synonyms by context

Lower in rank or status

adjective

  • lesser
  • lowly
  • minor
  • humble
  • mediocre
  • menial
  • second-class
  • unpretentious

Of lower quality

adjective

  • bad
  • poor
  • substandard
  • second-rate
  • awful
  • low-grade
  • low-quality
  • unsatisfactory
  • unsound

Located below or lower down

adjective

  • nether
  • nethermost
  • underlying
  • basal
  • base
  • bottom
  • bottommost
  • deep
  • lowermost

A person of lower rank, status, or ability

noun

  • junior
  • underling
  • deputy
  • disciple
  • lackey
  • lightweight
  • little guy
  • minion
  • peon

Inferior or next best option, falling behind the top choice

noun

  • second best
  • alternative
  • substitute
  • runner-up
  • next to best
  • nothing special

Antonyms for inferior

  • superior
  • senior
  • chief
  • greater
  • head
  • upper
  • major
  • grand
  • foremost
  • important
  • high-ranking
  • lofty
  • heavyweight
  • high-grade
  • higher
  • key
  • predominant
  • primary
  • principal
  • prominent

Opposite of lower in rank or status

Opposite of of lower quality

Opposite of located below or lower down

  • overhanging
  • above
  • overhead
  • upper
  • aerial
  • aloft
  • atop
  • hanging
  • skyward
  • upward

Opposite of a person of lower rank, status, or ability

  • boss
  • head
  • manager
  • leader
  • supervisor
  • director
  • higher-up

Phrases

  • ad interim
  • a notch under
  • back seat
  • below someone
  • beneath someone
  • beside the point
  • cast down
  • executive level
  • in reserve
  • in store
  • less important
  • lower in rank
  • lower in status
  • lower rung
  • mickey mouse
  • more important
  • most important
  • not so important
  • not the main
  • not very important