superiority

noun

su·​pe·​ri·​or·​i·​ty su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce superiority (audio)
ˌsü-,
-ˈär-
plural superiorities
: the quality or state of being superior
also : a superior characteristic

Examples of superiority in a Sentence

His success has given him a false sense of superiority. the superiority of some of the customers at the exclusive beauty salon is enough to curl your hair
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.
Wealth isn’t about intelligence or moral superiority. Greg Clement, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Lopez and the co-sponsors want to cloak themselves in moral superiority and call it a day. Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 At the same time, the Pentagon bet heavily on its technological superiority as a way of offsetting Washington’s remaining enemies—an approach that was successfully debuted in the first Gulf War against Iraq. Stacie L. Pettyjohn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2025 Trump sees gold cards as the ticket to a balanced budget That was a century characterized by Europe’s global preeminence, Britain’s naval superiority and financial dominance, and a stabilizing equilibrium of power on the European continent. Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for superiority

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superiority was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Superiority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superiority. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

superiority

noun
su·​pe·​ri·​or·​i·​ty su̇-ˌpir-ē-ˈȯr-ət-ē How to pronounce superiority (audio)
-ˈär-
plural superiorities
: the state or fact of being superior

More from Merriam-Webster on superiority

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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