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 deeper story here is growing domestic insecurity — inside both China and the US — that’s shaping diplomatic efforts and pulling both countries deeper into their own corners. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Online, influencers in the looksmaxxing space have leveraged other men's insecurities to enormous fame while doling out aesthetic advice with little, if any, credentials. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Behavioural activation cannot repair a labour market that offers insecurity as opportunity. — Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Gloria is a user, a poseur extraordinaire; her fluttery flamboyance, rooted in insecurity, summons another Gloria, the one from Sunset Blvd. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 Aug. 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