insecurity

[ in-si-kyoor-i-tee ]

noun

, plural in·se·cu·ri·ties.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of insecurity¹

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

Example Sentences

Sales of Sky High Farm’s Tallow Balm go toward sustaining its nonprofit farm in upstate New York, which aims to address food insecurity by increasing access to fresh, locally produced food.

From Los Angeles Times

Each year 783 million people around the world go hungry, with a third of the global population facing food insecurity.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has not forgotten about any of that even if the rest of us have tried to suppress the sense of insecurity and chaos that crisis left us with.

From Salon

Mrs. Tarter simply spotted my insecurity, my need to fit in, and asked if it was worth it.

From Salon

When Stabenow released her Farm Bill text on Monday, it was largely well-received by organizations that deal with food insecurity, which has been a major concern this year.

From Salon

Related Words

• self-doubt
• uncertainty