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
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
Casas and Duran end up being the show’s key figures, both reflecting candidly on their demanding fathers and their evolving insecurities.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025
Besides, White’s greatest asset, his knack for writing vivid characters whose performative dialogue betrays their deepest insecurities, is still in full force.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
His insecurities have manifested in several moments of self-awareness in regards to his sexuality and desire to be more than a failson.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Only the homeless, domestic violence victims, military veterans and those on the brink of housing insecurity are able to use these services.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
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Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025
Besides, White’s greatest asset, his knack for writing vivid characters whose performative dialogue betrays their deepest insecurities, is still in full force.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
His insecurities have manifested in several moments of self-awareness in regards to his sexuality and desire to be more than a failson.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Only the homeless, domestic violence victims, military veterans and those on the brink of housing insecurity are able to use these services.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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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