insecurity
Americannoun
plural
insecurities-
lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt.
He is plagued by insecurity.
-
the quality or state of being insecure; instability.
the insecurity of her financial position.
- Synonyms:
- vulnerability, shakiness, precariousness
-
something insecure.
the many insecurities of life.
Etymology
Origin of insecurity
First recorded in 1640–50; from Medieval Latin insēcūritās; see origin at insecure, -ity
Explanation
Insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty, a lack of confidence or anxiety about yourself. Put aside your insecurities and start acting like the smart, capable person you are! Insecurity is the word for what you are probably feeling when you walk into the cafeteria on your first day at a new school and everyone else already has someone to sit with. But soon you will make friends and forget about your insecurities. It can also describe the state of being open to danger or threat. The economy may have you worried about job insecurity. Or maybe it's the insecurity of a rocky relationship that keeps you up at night.
Vocabulary lists containing insecurity
Workshop 2, Part 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Content Summary 1.1: Human Adaptation and Migration in the Paleolithic World
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Red Umbrella
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Insecurity is a major theme in the race to pick a successor to Colombia's first left-wing president, Gustavo Petro.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
Insecurity among the self-made is often nuclear-powered from deep within a fragile psyche.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
Insecurity has spiralled in the long volatile east of the sprawling central African country over the past year, mainly due to the major comeback of a rebel group known as the M23.
From Reuters • Mar. 4, 2023
Insecurity has been a major election issue, in particular the fight against Islamist militant groups such as Boko Haram.
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2023
Insecurity has been for generations the law of Prussian existence.
From German Problems and Personalities by Saroléa, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
