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

Currently, gig workers often face economic insecurity, working 60 to 70 hours a week to make ends meet. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

Looking radiant on the stage, the actress eschewed a list of thank-yous to eloquently address the movie’s message about female insecurities. —Mara Reinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025

Winning consumers over in-store High prices for luxury products and economic insecurities have aspirational luxury consumers choosing between fast fashion or high-end luxury, Cheris said. —Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

Allied with the Islamic State group, the ADF abduct and kill Christians and attack churches, leading to widespread terror, insecurity and displacement. —Paul Tilsley, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing insecurity

• food insecurity

Rhymes for insecurity

• immaturity
• prematurity
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• purity
• surety

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