The word 相形见绌 is formed by combining four characters: 相 (mutually), 形 (form), 见 (to see), and 绌 (inadequate). The phrase literally translates to "comparing forms reveals inadequacy", where 相形 denotes mutual comparison, and 见绌 indicates the appearance of inferiority. Thus, the idiom expresses the concept of something appearing deficient when compared to another.