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
• precariousness
• shakiness
• unstableness
• unsteadiness

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

The threat is disarmed as Dorothy and the audience recognize the human insecurities driving the man behind the curtain. —Dan Bekerman, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

Louisiana is closely followed by Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas and Florida, which each experience elevated risks in categories like violent crime, financial insecurity, and environmental threats. —Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

But their whirlwind romance can’t overcome his insecurities over her promiscuous past and the blatant homophobia of his writing partner Banky (Jason Lee), who lashes out at the relationship as a means of dealing with his own repressed homosexuality. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024

Sharing your blemishes and insecurities with the world sans filter, beauty or otherwise? —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insecurity

• food insecurity

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