Inferiority Complex

Definition

An inferiority complex is an intense feeling of inadequacy, often resulting in excessive over-compensation, based on the belief that one is less than others in some way.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a video game where your character starts off weaker than everyone else. You feel like you have to work twice as hard just to keep up. That's what having an inferiority complex can feel like - constantly feeling behind or less than others.

Related terms

Self-esteem: One's overall sense of self-worth or personal value.

Overcompensation: A defense mechanism when someone perceives a characteristic as being deficient, so they compensate by going overboard in another area.

Impostor Syndrome: The idea that you've only succeeded due to luck, not because of your talent or qualifications.