insecurity

noun

in·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce insecurity (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for insecurity

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insecurity was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

insecurity

noun
in·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty -ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce insecurity (audio)
plural insecurities
: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability

More from Merriam-Webster on insecurity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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