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
Recent episodes of Aaron Hernandez have excelled by stepping outside Aaron’s point of view, but this finale immerses us back in his state of mind, forcing us to experience his harrowing final days and really understand what his paranoia and insecurity felt like.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Political consultant Liz Mair speculated that the release of the memo signaled insecurity.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024
The key is to release financial anxieties and insecurities that could hinder you.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
That’s when a politician like Trump enters, fueling economic insecurities with anti-immigrant rhetoric.
—Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecurity 
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Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Political consultant Liz Mair speculated that the release of the memo signaled insecurity.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024
The key is to release financial anxieties and insecurities that could hinder you.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
That’s when a politician like Trump enters, fueling economic insecurities with anti-immigrant rhetoric.
—Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 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 22 Nov. 2024.
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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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