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

With her career on the line and her assistant April (Rae) stepping up to cover for her, Jordan is forced to confront her past insecurities and rediscover the joys and challenges of being a teenager. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Threat level: Tuck said the trauma of being homeless for children has lasting development and health impacts that could lead to housing insecurity later in their own lives. —Kale Williams, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024

They are fueled by their own insecurities and limitations. —Ed Herro, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Her presence awakens the insecurities of Ben’s veterinarian mother. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 4 Dec. 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