I. adjective
1.
being or regarded as being below the level of another thing
the inferior latitudes of the northern hemisphere
Synonyms: lesser, low, lower, nether, subjacent, under
Related Word: junior, minor, secondary, subaltern, subordinate
Contrasted words: greater, higher, over, overlying
Antonyms: superior
2.
of little or less importance, value, or merit
sold inferior goods at high prices
Synonyms: common, déclassé, hack, low-grade, mean, poor, second-class, second-drawer, second-rate; compare cheap 2
Related Word: average, fair, indifferent, mediocre, middling, ordinary; bad, base, paltry, punk, shoddy, sleazy, sorry, tawdry, tin-pot, wretched; good-for-nothing, lousy, ||no-account, no-good, unworthy, valueless, worthless
Contrasted words: choice, excellent, first-class, first-rate, high-grade, prime
Antonyms: superior
II. noun
one lower than another (as in station or worth)
a man inclined to be disdainful of his social inferiors
Synonyms: poor relation, scrub, secondary, subaltern, subordinate, underling, understrapper
Related Word: attendant, auxiliary, deputy; retainer, satrap, subject, vassal; hanger-on, heeler, henchman, hireling, minion, satellite, sycophant; adherent, disciple, follower
Contrasted words: chief, head, leader, master, principal
Antonyms: superior