insecure

adjective

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in·se·cure | \ ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r

Definition of insecure

1a : deficient in assurance : beset by fear and anxiety always felt insecure in a group of strangers

b : not highly stable or well-adjusted an insecure marriage

2 : not confident or sure : uncertain feeling somewhat insecure of his reception

3 : not adequately guarded or sustained : unsafe an insecure investment

4 : not firmly fastened or fixed : shaky the hinge is loose and insecure

5 : unable to reliably afford or access what is needed to meet one's basic needs families that are housing insecure [=that are at risk of losing their housing] — see also food insecure

Other Words from insecure Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing insecure Learn More About insecure

Synonyms & Antonyms for insecure

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples of insecure in a Sentence

I feel shy and insecure around strangers. One of the building's rear doors was insecure. The country's borders remain insecure.

Recent Examples on the Web The problem is, the girlfriend is very insecure about her weight. — Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 28 Apr. 2022 The actress, who plays the brilliant, but shy and insecure, Agnes Jurati, has shifted gears dramatically through this season after her character was overtaken by the Borg Queen (Annie Wersching). — Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Apr. 2022 That feminist nod is but a punctuation point in a story that bemoans the suffering caused by atavistic patterns of aggrieved and insecure men seeking to prove their worth by fighting, raping and taking. — Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2022 Blige, who has over five million followers on Instagram, told a fan who felt insecure about their appearance in photos to take a break from apps and shift their focus. — Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE.com, 26 Jan. 2022 My feet felt insecure while cornering or on slants when running faster than easy pace, including steady-state workouts and strides—attributable to the personal fit issues. — Elizabeth Carey, Outside Online, 13 Jan. 2020 People who are controlling are very insecure, and this is their way of trying to cope with their insecurities. — Melinda Fouts, Ph.d., Forbes, 7 Mar. 2022 Bridgerton's success—thanks to its diversity—has been well-documented, and Rosheuvel's portrayal of Queen Charlotte as a haughty, insecure monarch who cares deeply about appearances, yet remains a champion of true love, is widely celebrated. — Emily Burack, Town & Country, 31 Mar. 2022 There’s an unappealing storyline about Paul being insecure about Zoey’s NFL-superstar ex. — Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insecure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.