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

According to Lucas Walsh, professor of youth politics at Monash University, economic insecurity is a central factor in growing dissatisfaction with democracy among the youngest voters. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Scanlon said social feelings of rejection tied to dating apps and college acceptance can amplify the insecurity that young people are already experiencing financially. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025

Nishijima brings his characteristic intensity to Kenji, a man whose academic arrogance masks deep insecurity and desperation. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025

Ross also said the Agriculture Department's claim that the annual report on food and nutrition insecurity in America might be politicized is not accurate. —Jordan-Marie Smith, NPR, 22 Sep. 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