So this is better, albeit inferior (5)
I believe the answer is:
under
'inferior' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for under that I've seen before include "'Beneath, below (5)'" , "Subordinate to; planted with" , "Beneath or subordinate to" , "Anaesthetised" , "In the process of" .)