food insecurity

American  

[food in-si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈfud ɪn sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

1. an economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

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Other Word Forms

• food insecure food-insecure adjective

Etymology

Origin of food insecurity

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

She’s done extensive research showing that food insecurity is strongly associated with major maternal depressive symptoms; she points to research focused on the association between food insecurity and suicidal ideation and attempts in teenagers.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

While the pandemic had disrupted his career, it also set the stage for his second act: overseeing a nonprofit aimed at alleviating food insecurity in South Florida.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The lesson from that period is clear: when policymakers restrict access to nutrition assistance while economic pressures persist, food insecurity rises.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

"For many of our most vulnerable pupils, the summer break is not a time of opportunity but a period of isolation, food insecurity and limited access to safe, structured activities," she adds.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Some decried their use as a way for biochemical companies to make money; others declared that GMOs would save the world from famine and food insecurity.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste