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
Recent Examples on the Web
Cutting these emissions has forced short-notice changes on farmers at a time of financial insecurity.
—Raf Casert, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024
Both had damaged American credibility, and insecurity stemming from NATO’s intervention in Libya, spearheaded by the United States, hadn’t helped.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024
This in itself can be a great template if your children face their own financial insecurity as adults.
—Emily Edlynn, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, had largely abdicated his creative role due to his own emotional maelstrom of insecurity, boredom, and resentment.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
For all the young angst coursing through the lyrics — heartache, insecurity, revenge urges, the weight of social expectations — Rodrigo in concert is a joyous, vivacious affair.
—Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2024
In fact, the Palestinian society is collectively bound by a long-term experience of oppression, dispossession, and a sense of collective insecurity that the Palestinian suffering is a social suffering.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
Those restrictions, plus growing insecurity, have complicated further efforts by the United Nations and others to get aid to those in need.
—Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024
And that can add to the stress and insecurity the biological kid may be feeling.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 6 Apr. 2024
Raf Casert, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024
Both had damaged American credibility, and insecurity stemming from NATO’s intervention in Libya, spearheaded by the United States, hadn’t helped.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024
This in itself can be a great template if your children face their own financial insecurity as adults.
—Emily Edlynn, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, had largely abdicated his creative role due to his own emotional maelstrom of insecurity, boredom, and resentment.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
For all the young angst coursing through the lyrics — heartache, insecurity, revenge urges, the weight of social expectations — Rodrigo in concert is a joyous, vivacious affair.
—Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2024
In fact, the Palestinian society is collectively bound by a long-term experience of oppression, dispossession, and a sense of collective insecurity that the Palestinian suffering is a social suffering.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
Those restrictions, plus growing insecurity, have complicated further efforts by the United Nations and others to get aid to those in need.
—Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024
And that can add to the stress and insecurity the biological kid may be feeling.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 6 Apr. 2024
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 24 Apr. 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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