Insecurity: meaning, definitions and examples

😞
Add to dictionary

insecurity

 

[ ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊərɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence

Insecurity is a state of mind characterized by a lack of confidence in oneself or one's abilities. It often stems from a sense of uncertainty or self-doubt, leading to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority.

Synonyms

lack of confidence, self-doubt, uncertainty.

Examples of usage

  • I struggle with insecurity and often doubt my own worth.
  • Her insecurity prevented her from pursuing her dreams.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of security or protection

Insecurity can also refer to a lack of security or protection, both in a physical and emotional sense. It can manifest as a feeling of vulnerability or exposure to danger.

Synonyms

exposure, risk, vulnerability.

Examples of usage

  • The insecurity of the building made the residents uneasy.
  • She felt a sense of insecurity after the break-in.

Translations

Translations of the word "insecurity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insegurança

🇮🇳 असुरक्षा

🇩🇪 Unsicherheit

🇮🇩 ketidakamanan

🇺🇦 невпевненість

🇵🇱 niepewność

🇯🇵 不安定

🇫🇷 insécurité

🇪🇸 inseguridad

🇹🇷 güvensizlik

🇰🇷 불안

🇸🇦 عدم الأمان

🇨🇿 nejistota

🇸🇰 neistota

🇨🇳 不安全感

🇸🇮 negotovost

🇮🇸 óöryggi

🇰🇿 қауіпсіздік

🇬🇪 არასტაბილურობა

🇦🇿 təhlükəsizliksizlik

🇲🇽 inseguridad

Etymology

The word 'insecurity' has its origins in the Latin word 'insecuritas', which means 'un-safety' or 'lack of security'. The concept of insecurity has been present throughout human history, as humans have always grappled with feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability. In modern times, the term is often used to describe both personal and societal feelings of inadequacy and lack of protection.

See also: insecure, secured, securely, secureness, securing, security, unsecured.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,577, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.