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

• 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

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

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