insecurity

noun

in·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce insecurity (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alise Zariņa’s Flesh, Blood, Even a Heart is a Latvian coming-of-age dramedy that follows Liv, a 30-something woman struggling with body insecurities. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025 This structure also creates fear and insecurity among employees, in addition to a brittle and fragile company. Josh Browning, Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 Even a brief interruption of benefits will push all these economically vulnerable families and children into greater hardship during a time of rising food and economic insecurity. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 But rather than feeling intimidated or threatened, Swift and Kelce openly root for and celebrate each other’s growth with pride, not insecurity. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insecurity

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insecurity was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

insecurity

noun
in·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty -ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce insecurity (audio)
plural insecurities
: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability

More from Merriam-Webster on insecurity

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