insecurity

American  

[in-si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˌɪn sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

plural

insecurities

1. lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt.

   He is plagued by insecurity.

2. the quality or state of being insecure; instability.

   the insecurity of her financial position.

   Synonyms:

   vulnerability, shakiness, precariousness

3. something insecure.

   the many insecurities of life.

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Etymology

Origin of insecurity

First recorded in 1640–50; from Medieval Latin insēcūritās; insecure, -ity

Example Sentences

Whatever happens next, humanity will also reprice its energy options to account for Gulf insecurity.

From The Wall Street Journal

I wanted that, to have all my self-doubt and insecurity gone.

From Literature

Without a more robust multilateralism, we risk replacing an imperfect system of collective security with the brutal reality of widespread insecurity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Demographers are skeptical that subsidies can move the needle much against forces like high education costs, job insecurity, delayed marriage, and shifting gender norms.

From Barron's

Instead, it led to a world of job insecurity and wages too low to support most people, let alone a family.

From Salon

Related Words

• self-doubt
• uncertainty