insecurity

/ɪnsɪˈkjʊrɪti/

/ɪnsɪˈkʊrɪti/

Other forms: insecurities

Insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty, a lack of confidence or anxiety about yourself. Put aside your insecurities and start acting like the smart, capable person you are!

Insecurity is the word for what you are probably feeling when you walk into the cafeteria on your first day at a new school and everyone else already has someone to sit with. But soon you will make friends and forget about your insecurities. It can also describe the state of being open to danger or threat. The economy may have you worried about job insecurity. Or maybe it's the insecurity of a rocky relationship that keeps you up at night.

Definitions of insecurity

1. noun

   the anxiety you experience when you feel vulnerable and insecure
   type of:

   anxiety

   a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune
2. noun

   the state of being subject to danger or injury
   antonyms:

   security

   the state of being free from danger or injury

   types:

   insecureness

   the state of being exposed to risk or anxiety

   type of:

   danger

   the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury