insecurity
noun
in·se·cu·ri·ty
ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 
plural insecurities
: the quality or state of being insecure: such as
a
: a state or feeling of anxiety, fear, or self-doubt
troubled by (feelings of) insecurity
Deep down he knows his swagger is just insecurity masquerading as confidence.—
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly… the questions we don't dare ask reflect our deepest insecurities about relationships.—J. D. Heiman
J. D. HeimanThey rarely have a confidante with whom they can compare notes, share crushes, and discuss insecurities.—Kristen Golden
Kristen Golden
b
: lack of dependability or certainty
job insecurity
financial insecurity
the insecurity of their future
often, specifically
: lack of a reliable means of meeting one's basic needs
families who are experiencing housing insecurity
see also food insecurity
c
: lack of safety or protection
the insecurity of the investment
revealed the insecurities [=vulnerabilities] in their system
Synonyms
Examples of insecurity in a Sentence
the insecurity of the bookcase made it dangerous for a household with small children who like to climb
Recent Examples on the Web
These attitudes stem from the interplay of professional insecurities and personal prejudices.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Auberjonois captures the breathless ambition along with the insecurity that fueled Rivers’ drive.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
So many of this man’s actions have been driven by a bone-deep insecurity stemming from his father’s idea of manhood.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
If you’re consumed by suspicion, possessiveness, and insecurity, try one of these strategies.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity 
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Jack Kelly, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Auberjonois captures the breathless ambition along with the insecurity that fueled Rivers’ drive.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
So many of this man’s actions have been driven by a bone-deep insecurity stemming from his father’s idea of manhood.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
If you’re consumed by suspicion, possessiveness, and insecurity, try one of these strategies.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity
Dictionary Entries Near insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
insecurity
noun
in·se·cu·ri·ty
-ˈkyu̇r-ət-ē
plural insecurities
: a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty : lack of assurance or stability
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