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

Recent episodes of Aaron Hernandez have excelled by stepping outside Aaron’s point of view, but this finale immerses us back in his state of mind, forcing us to experience his harrowing final days and really understand what his paranoia and insecurity felt like. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024

Political consultant Liz Mair speculated that the release of the memo signaled insecurity. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024

The key is to release financial anxieties and insecurities that could hinder you. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

That’s when a politician like Trump enters, fueling economic insecurities with anti-immigrant rhetoric. —Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 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