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
… the questions we don't dare ask reflect our deepest insecurities about relationships.—J. D. Heiman
They rarely have a confidante with whom they can compare notes, share crushes, and discuss insecurities.—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
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
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