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
Entertainment Weekly… the questions we don't dare ask reflect our deepest insecurities about relationships.—J. D. Heiman
J. D. HeimanThey rarely have a confidante with whom they can compare notes, share crushes, and discuss insecurities.—Kristen Golden
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
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
Face Your Insecurities Acknowledge your insecurities and areas of weakness.
—Britney Porter, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
What’s more, social scientists simultaneously uncovered the ways that things like crime and poverty were caused by features of the environment: poor economic opportunities, food and housing insecurity, racial and ethnic discrimination that impeded employment.
—Arthur Caplan, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024
With the full moon conjunct Chiron, old insecurities may rise to the surface, triggering feelings of vulnerability.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024
The Capricorn first quarter moon tests your mettle, stirring up jealousies or insecurities.
—USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity 
Britney Porter, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
What’s more, social scientists simultaneously uncovered the ways that things like crime and poverty were caused by features of the environment: poor economic opportunities, food and housing insecurity, racial and ethnic discrimination that impeded employment.
—Arthur Caplan, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024
With the full moon conjunct Chiron, old insecurities may rise to the surface, triggering feelings of vulnerability.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024
The Capricorn first quarter moon tests your mettle, stirring up jealousies or insecurities.
—USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insecurity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
insecurity
noun
in·se·cu·ri·ty
-ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē
plural insecurities
: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability
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