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
But the situation raised concerns about the availability of affordable housing for people dealing with housing insecurity.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 13 May 2024
Qualifications provide payment for low earners, the disabled, the homeless and others suffering from housing insecurity.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024
Noa’s growing understanding of himself, his insecurities and his courage, adds emotional heft to his trajectory.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
While navigating periods of instability and housing insecurity, Bee served as an informal mentor to many trans women in similar situations, KC Transformations’ Community Advisory Board wrote on Instagram Saturday.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2024
Even though the documentary dives into some of the teens’ worst moments and greatest insecurities, Derisso and Ballantyne are both overwhelmingly proud of the film.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
Stiglitz, in an interview, said Trump has preyed on people’s economic insecurities after decades of inequality and the erosion of the middle class.
—Fatima Hussein, Fortune, 3 May 2024
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao joined mayors from across the country in Washington, D.C., this week to ask for more federal resources to combat homelessness and housing insecurity.
—Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 3 May 2024
All last season, she was plagued by injuries and insecurities.
—J Wortham January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 2 May 2024
Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 13 May 2024
Qualifications provide payment for low earners, the disabled, the homeless and others suffering from housing insecurity.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024
Noa’s growing understanding of himself, his insecurities and his courage, adds emotional heft to his trajectory.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
While navigating periods of instability and housing insecurity, Bee served as an informal mentor to many trans women in similar situations, KC Transformations’ Community Advisory Board wrote on Instagram Saturday.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2024
Even though the documentary dives into some of the teens’ worst moments and greatest insecurities, Derisso and Ballantyne are both overwhelmingly proud of the film.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
Stiglitz, in an interview, said Trump has preyed on people’s economic insecurities after decades of inequality and the erosion of the middle class.
—Fatima Hussein, Fortune, 3 May 2024
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao joined mayors from across the country in Washington, D.C., this week to ask for more federal resources to combat homelessness and housing insecurity.
—Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 3 May 2024
All last season, she was plagued by injuries and insecurities.
—J Wortham January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 2 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insecurity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 19 May. 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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