lower in station, rank, degree, or grade (often fol. by to )

a rank inferior to colonel.

lower in place or position; closer to the bottom or base

descending into the inferior regions of the earth.

of comparatively low grade; poor in quality; substandard

an inferior product.

less important, valuable, or worthy

B+ bonds are inferior to AAA bonds.

acting or performing in a way that is comparatively poor or mediocre

an inferior observer of human nature.

Botany .

situated below some other organ.

(of a calyx) inserted below the ovary.

(of an ovary) having a superior calyx.

Anatomy . (of an organ or part)

lower in place or position; situated beneath another.

toward the feet. Compare superior ( def. 9 ) .

Astronomy . lying below the horizon

the inferior part of a meridian.

Printing . written or printed low on a line of text, as the 2 in H 2 O; subscript. Compare superior ( def. 10 ) .

a person inferior to another or others, as in rank or merit.

Also called subscript. Printing . a letter, number, or symbol written or printed low on a line of text. Compare superior ( def. 12 ) .

noun

mediocrity , inadequacy , inability , lack , weakness