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; 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

The scene captures the same sense of cringe that I felt whenever I heard a radio call sign that broadcast the user’s insecurity to everyone listening.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

"Low-income countries are especially at risk of food insecurity; some may need more external support -- even as such assistance has been declining," the report said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Nuclear development is a long-term project, not a short-term fix to current energy insecurity.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Whatever happens next, humanity will also reprice its energy options to account for Gulf insecurity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

She can sense all the other stuff you find at any high school, too—the bravado and insecurity and self-consciousness and pretending.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

• self-doubt
• uncertainty