In psychology and psychoanalysis, the feeling (conscious or subconscious) that one is somehow inferior to others, regardless of whether this is actually the case.

Example: Although the professor is highly accomplished and well-respected within her field, she has never been able to shake the feeling that she’s just not good enough and her success is a fluke.

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 24 Jan 2009