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
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
Berry gives her best performance in years, conveying the anger and insecurity that fuel Sharon’s decision to stop playing by the rules.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
This year’s final rodeo in Park City seemed marked by the uncertainty generated by ongoing industry woes—massive studio mergers, job insecurity, and the growing use of AI during production, among others.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
And despite Emma's insecurities about her scars or being Asian, Mike couldn't be happier during their in-person reveal.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026
Allred replied with fire, throwing his support to Crockett and suggesting Talarico’s rhetoric was born of personal insecurity during an intense online video.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
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Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
This year’s final rodeo in Park City seemed marked by the uncertainty generated by ongoing industry woes—massive studio mergers, job insecurity, and the growing use of AI during production, among others.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
And despite Emma's insecurities about her scars or being Asian, Mike couldn't be happier during their in-person reveal.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026
Allred replied with fire, throwing his support to Crockett and suggesting Talarico’s rhetoric was born of personal insecurity during an intense online video.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insecurity
Cite this Entry
“Insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecurity. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
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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