insecurity

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊrɪtiː/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The state of being insecure; lack of safety, protection, or stability.; A feeling of inadequacy, self-doubt, or lack of confidence in oneself.; The condition of being vulnerable to attack, theft, or danger; lack of security measures.; Uncertainty or instability, especially regarding financial or economic matters.; The quality of being unreliable or uncertain; precariousness.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: insecurities

Collocations

sense of insecuritydeep insecurityemotional insecuritypersonal insecurityfeelings of insecuritygrowing insecurity

Derivatives

insecureinsecurelysecuritysecuresecurely

Synonyms

uncertaintydoubtuneaseanxietyapprehensionself-doubt

Antonyms

securityconfidenceassurancecertainty

Commonly confused

uncertainty
EN: 'Uncertainty' refers to a lack of knowledge or predictability about outcomes; 'insecurity' refers more to a lack of confidence or feeling of vulnerability in oneself or one's situation.
anxiety
EN: 'Anxiety' is a broader emotional state of worry or nervousness; 'insecurity' specifically relates to a lack of self-confidence or a sense of being unsafe or unprotected.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') attached to 'security'; the adjective form is 'insecure', not 'unsecure'.

💬 Examples

  1. The insecurity of the region made it difficult for aid workers to operate.

  2. Her insecurity about her appearance made her avoid social gatherings.

  3. The insecurity of the building's locks was a major concern for the tenants.

  4. Job insecurity has become a defining feature of the modern gig economy.

  5. The insecurity of the bridge's foundation was evident from the cracks in the concrete.