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
Much of the public debate has focused on structural factors like childcare costs, work-life balance and economic insecurity.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
As high school and college graduates across the country celebrate the completion of a major milestone, they — and their nervous parents — are looking ahead to a future marked by political uncertainty and economic insecurity.
—Jim Ruland, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Those who endured the lash of repression and five decades of near constant insecurity.
—Nazanin Boniadi, Time, 17 June 2025
Much of the documentary explores Walters' insecurities, which plagued her despite her incredible accomplishments.
—Gillian Telling, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
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Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
As high school and college graduates across the country celebrate the completion of a major milestone, they — and their nervous parents — are looking ahead to a future marked by political uncertainty and economic insecurity.
—Jim Ruland, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Those who endured the lash of repression and five decades of near constant insecurity.
—Nazanin Boniadi, Time, 17 June 2025
Much of the documentary explores Walters' insecurities, which plagued her despite her incredible accomplishments.
—Gillian Telling, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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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