insecurity

[ in-si-kyoor-i-tee ]

/ ˌɪn sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

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.

something insecure: the many insecurities of life.

Nearby words

From the Medieval Latin word insēcūritās, dating back to 1640–50. See insecure, -ity

In reality,” Francis said, “theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity.
Pope Francis Denounces the Vatican Elite’s 'Spiritual Alzheimer’s'|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For the first time since that peak of confusion, insecurity, and uncertainty called middle school, I felt truly alone.
Freshman Year Sucks—and That’s OK|Eleanor Hyun|November 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His judgments are not rash or driven by insecurity, fear, and a longing for the past.
The Walking Dead’s Luke Skywalker: Rick Grimes Is the Perfect Modern-Day Mythical Hero|Regina Lizik|October 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“They are motivated by insecurity, fear, lack of imagination and above all, a lack of flair,” he said.
Mike Leigh Is the Master Filmmaker Who Hates Hollywood|Nico Hines|October 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

With freedom there are no answers, but the sense of insecurity makes you feel alive.
Life After ‘SVU’: Christopher Meloni on ‘They Came Together,’ Stabler, and His Famous Behind|Marlow Stern|June 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In a world of insecurity and change it is good to have one bedrock certainty upon which the mind can rest.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 153, Oct. 17, 1917|Various
He talks of a “strange insecurity;” but, upon my word, no insecurity could be half so strange as this assertion of his own.
Cottage Economy|William Cobbett
Especially at the thought of meeting Hamlin again, this sense of insecurity became actual panic.
The Duke of Stockbridge|Edward Bellamy
Now she was just a trifle startled by a feeling of insecurity.
What Will People Say?|Rupert Hughes
The quarrelings of its hot youth, the tension of strife and insecurity, the life of alarms it has lived, have aged it.
A Midsummer Drive Through The Pyrenees|Edwin Asa Dix