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
Six out of 10 Mexicans consider insecurity to be the country's main problem, according to an annual public survey by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
—Fox News, 28 May 2024
The comedian says that insecurity led him to turn down opportunities.
—Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024
The revolutionary headband, made by Wear-Arc, is the first hair product of its kind that combines functionality with aesthetics, sustainability with durability, and mitigates headband woes and hair insecurities.
—Miami Herald, 21 May 2024
In 2023, Mecklenburg County reported that eviction filings increased in excess of 40%, resulting in nearly 7,000 additional Mecklenburg County households facing housing insecurity.
—Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity 
Fox News, 28 May 2024
The comedian says that insecurity led him to turn down opportunities.
—Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024
The revolutionary headband, made by Wear-Arc, is the first hair product of its kind that combines functionality with aesthetics, sustainability with durability, and mitigates headband woes and hair insecurities.
—Miami Herald, 21 May 2024
In 2023, Mecklenburg County reported that eviction filings increased in excess of 40%, resulting in nearly 7,000 additional Mecklenburg County households facing housing insecurity.
—Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity
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Dictionary Entries Near insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 11 Jun. 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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