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

These include unreported physical and mental impairments, housing insecurity, and a lack of high school diplomas and identification documents. —Taylor Sisk, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026

That stoked his jealousies and insecurities, along with frontman Jagger stealing the spotlight from him. —Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Brooke said moments during filming forced her to confront lingering insecurities about whether her father ever fully grasped her independence and success. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Although older adults typically have fewer acute one-time episodes, they are more often faced with chronic stress such as illness, financial insecurity, caregiving responsibilities as well as loneliness, loss and grief and even retirement. —Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 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