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 of insecurity

• instability

Examples of insecurity in a Sentence

the insecurity of the bookcase made it dangerous for a household with small children who like to climb

Recent Examples on the Web

Half of American adults with past convictions face housing insecurity, according to TimeDone. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Marketing products around women’s insecurities has long been an ubiquitous business practice, but platforms like Qoves and AEDIT mark a steep escalation. — Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Then there’s social jealousy, like if your daughter didn’t get invited to a sleepover, which causes feelings of insecurity or inadequacy. — Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026

Directed by Beef’s Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* is a surprisingly effective movie about navigating grief, depression, and insecurity, deftly disguised as a superhero team-up. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insecurity

• food insecurity

Rhymes for insecurity

• immaturity
• prematurity
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• purity
• surety

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