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

Here’s one way to help aging Angelenos combat housing insecurity and loneliness, writes Avi Kapur, with the nonprofit Affordable Living for the Aging. —Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

Odysseus asks, his voice quavering, revealing his insecurity upon returning home after a 20-year absence. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2024

Over the course of almost two hours Tuesday night, the Vice President effectively needled the former President on his deepest insecurities while painting a clear choice for voters. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Sep. 2024

Keys to Change, which provides more than 120,000 bottles of water each month to people experiencing housing insecurity, will hold an additional in-person donation collection day on Oct. 5. —Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 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