food insecurity

American  

[food in-si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈfud ɪn sɪˈkjʊər ɪ ti /

noun

1. an economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

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Other Word Forms

• food insecure food-insecure
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of food insecurity

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Food insufficiency is considered more severe than food insecurity, defined as having access to food but worrying about it running out or not being nutritious enough.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

“The city still has issues with food insecurity and low-wage worker protections, but those are not the issues dominating anymore.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

On Tuesday, Guterres noted that Africa contributes relatively little to global emissions but suffers disproportionately from climate change, including droughts, floods and food insecurity.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

"This would intensify food price inflation and worsen food insecurity, especially in import-dependent and climate-vulnerable markets."

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Some decried their use as a way for biochemical companies to make money; others declared that GMOs would save the world from famine and food insecurity.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste