HeyRua Get the app

Inferiority in Irish (Íochtaránacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘íochtaránacht’ also means: subordination

The Irish for inferiority is íochtaránacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “inferiority” in Irish

Irish:
íochtaránacht
English:
inferiority, subordination
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“EE-ukh-tuh-raw-nukht”  /ˈiːxt̪ˠəɾˠaːn̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
íochtaránachta, na híochtaránachta (e.g. coimpléasc íochtaránachta, inferiority complex)

What does “íochtaránacht” mean?

“Íochtaránacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

inferiority
The state of being lower in rank, position or quality than others.Also: lowliness, low status.
1 other meaning: subordination
2subordination
The condition of being under the authority or control of someone else.Also: subjection, subservience.

“Íochtaránacht” with the article

Here is íochtaránacht after the article (an t-alt).

an íochtaránacht
the inferiority
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Íochtaránacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using íochtaránacht, the Irish word for inferiority.

Bhraith sé íochtaránacht i measc na ndaoine saibhre.
He felt inferior among the rich people.
Tá coimpléasc íochtaránachta air ó bhí sé óg.
He has had an inferiority complex since he was young.
Níor ghlac siad leis an íochtaránacht a cuireadh orthu.
They did not accept the subordination imposed on them.
Mhair an pobal faoi íochtaránacht ar feadh na gcéadta bliain.
The community lived in subjection for centuries.
Is mothú íochtaránachta é sin, dar liom.
That is a feeling of inferiority, I think.
Ní ceart íochtaránacht a bhrath faoi do theanga féin.
You should not feel inferior about your own language.
Labhair an t-údar faoi íochtaránacht na mban sa tsochaí.
The author spoke about the subordination of women in society.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Inferiority in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for inferiority?

The Irish for inferiority is íochtaránacht (pronounced “EE-ukh-tuh-raw-nukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean subordination.

How do you pronounce íochtaránacht in Irish?

Íochtaránacht is said like “EE-ukh-tuh-raw-nukht” (IPA /ˈiːxt̪ˠəɾˠaːn̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does íochtaránacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for íochtaránacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does íochtaránacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Íochtaránacht can mean inferiority or subordination, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does íochtaránacht sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an íochtaránacht (the inferiority), a híochtaránacht (her inferiority), a n-íochtaránacht (their inferiority).

Does íochtaránacht mean the opposite of uachtaránacht?

In a sense yes: íochtaránacht is inferiority or subordination, while uachtaránacht usually means presidency or superiority. The related adjectives are íochtarach (lower, inferior) and uachtarach (upper).

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like íochtaránacht through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen