insecurity

noun

in·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

plural insecurities

: the quality or state of being insecure: such as

a

: a state or feeling of anxiety, fear, or self-doubt

troubled by (feelings of) insecurity

Deep down he knows his swagger is just insecurity masquerading as confidence.

—Entertainment Weekly

… the questions we don't dare ask reflect our deepest insecurities about relationships.

—J. D. Heiman

They rarely have a confidante with whom they can compare notes, share crushes, and discuss insecurities.

—Kristen Golden

b

: lack of dependability or certainty

job insecurity

financial insecurity

the insecurity of their future

often, specifically : lack of a reliable means of meeting one's basic needs

families who are experiencing housing insecurity

see also food insecurity

c

: lack of safety or protection

the insecurity of the investment

revealed the insecurities [=vulnerabilities] in their system

Synonyms

• instability
• precariousness
• shakiness
• unstableness
• unsteadiness

Examples of insecurity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, the Palestinian society is collectively bound by a long-term experience of oppression, dispossession, and a sense of collective insecurity that the Palestinian suffering is a social suffering. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024

Those restrictions, plus growing insecurity, have complicated further efforts by the United Nations and others to get aid to those in need. —Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024

And that can add to the stress and insecurity the biological kid may be feeling. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 6 Apr. 2024

This is a great time to tap into your confidence and leave uncertainty and insecurity behind you. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2024

Despite this, the dimpling texture on our thighs, butt and hips can often be a source of insecurity. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024

Despite eerie echoes of current events, their flaws and insecurities lead to some comical situations. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024

The moon’s alignment with Chiron triggers insecurities about your role in the group. —USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024

In Peter Ames Carlin’s biography Homeward Bound: The Life of Paul Simon, their tumultuous relationship is explained as a mix of love and personal crises, largely due to bouts of depression, personal insecurities and Fisher’s drug use. —Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insecurity

• food insecurity

Medical Definition

insecurity

noun

in·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty -ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē 

plural insecurities

: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability