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
Entertainment Weekly… the questions we don't dare ask reflect our deepest insecurities about relationships.—J. D. Heiman
J. D. HeimanThey rarely have a confidante with whom they can compare notes, share crushes, and discuss insecurities.—Kristen Golden
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
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
That slight brings out Azik’s insecurities.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Energy insecurity concentrates among lower‑income households, renters, and Black and Latino communities.
—Anthony Nicome, STAT, 13 May 2026
Hartley, a freelancer who hit hard by financial insecurity in the wake of the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, wants the fund to start a conversation about supporting those most vulnerable to disruption.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 May 2026
As insecurity intensifies, Mali’s junta faces a strategic dilemma.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
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David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Energy insecurity concentrates among lower‑income households, renters, and Black and Latino communities.
—Anthony Nicome, STAT, 13 May 2026
Hartley, a freelancer who hit hard by financial insecurity in the wake of the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, wants the fund to start a conversation about supporting those most vulnerable to disruption.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 May 2026
As insecurity intensifies, Mali’s junta faces a strategic dilemma.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
insecurity
noun
in·se·cu·ri·ty
-ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē
plural insecurities
: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability
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