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
Entertainment Weekly… the questions we don't dare ask reflect our deepest insecurities about relationships.—J. D. Heiman
J. D. HeimanThey rarely have a confidante with whom they can compare notes, share crushes, and discuss insecurities.—Kristen Golden
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
In place of tickets, attendees will be asked for a $10 donation to La Casa Norte, which serves Chicagoans facing housing insecurity.
—Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
In early studies for the project, Fogel had depicted Dickensian insecurity (a starving woman, homeless men, a punishing workplace).
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Because of insecurity in eastern Congo, many people are abandoning the few available roads for wooden vessels crumbling under the weight of passengers and their goods.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
In The Long Game, Shane and Ilya are forced to confront their fears and insecurities — wrestling with codependency, depression, and self-perception — while trying to maintain the love that binds them.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
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Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
In early studies for the project, Fogel had depicted Dickensian insecurity (a starving woman, homeless men, a punishing workplace).
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Because of insecurity in eastern Congo, many people are abandoning the few available roads for wooden vessels crumbling under the weight of passengers and their goods.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
In The Long Game, Shane and Ilya are forced to confront their fears and insecurities — wrestling with codependency, depression, and self-perception — while trying to maintain the love that binds them.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
insecurity
noun
in·se·cu·ri·ty
-ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē
plural insecurities
: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability
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