insecurity

American  

[in-si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˌɪn sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

plural

insecurities

1. lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt.

   He is plagued by insecurity.

2. the quality or state of being insecure; instability.

   the insecurity of her financial position.

   Synonyms:

   vulnerability, shakiness, precariousness

3. something insecure.

   the many insecurities of life.

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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.

Example Sentences

“We should expect to see a surge in food insecurity and its related negative consequences at new levels.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

And I think it comes from this deep insecurity she has.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

In Asia and the Pacific, food insecurity is expected to rise by 24% - the largest relative increase of any region on earth.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Global military spending reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking an 11th consecutive year of growth, researchers said Monday, as insecurity and rearmament fuelled defence budgets.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

I fight to keep any insecurity or doubt from entering my own eyes.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• self-doubt
• uncertainty