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

The 34-year-old campaigned during a time of rising financial insecurity on making the city more affordable for most of the city’s residents through rent freezes, free buses and universal childcare. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

How have the compounding effects of college protests, financial insecurity, and student loan debt shaped a culture? —Alexis Williams, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025

A lot of them probably just want the anxiety and insecurity of this moment to pass. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025

In the real world, many women can relate to a pointed comment on your insecurity leading to emotional turmoil that only a pint of talenti mango sorbetto can fix — my mom can point out some underarm fat in a photo and that will simply ruin my week. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025

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