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

Around Mira and her friends, my own insecurities were heightened. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Care teams also pay attention to other challenges for patients, such as food or housing insecurities so they can be connected with the right resources, Isenberger said. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026

In Congress, my role would be to address the root causes of that insecurity while supporting effective, accountable public safety systems. —Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

As envy, insecurity and imposter syndrome jostle for pole position in Simon’s narcissistic headspace, the film threatens a pivot into more intriguingly black-comic territory, or into a more metatextual send-up of indie-movie tropes and aesthetics. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 May 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