ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insecurity

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnsɪkˈjʊɹɪti// UK //ˌɪnsɪkjˈɔːɹɪti// in·se·cu·ri·ty

n. a feeling of not being confident about yourself or your abilities. It can also describe a situation that is not safe or stable, like when you worry about losing your job.

n. a lack of confidence or assurance in oneself, or a state of vulnerability to danger, harm, or instability.


SIMPLE

She tried to hide her insecurity by talking too much.

CONTEXTUAL

Rising inflation has led to widespread food insecurity in the region, leaving many families unsure of their next meal.

COMPLEX

His aggressive management style was largely a projection of his own deep-seated insecurity about his lack of formal qualifications.

Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Medieval Latin īnsēcūritās. By surface analysis, insecure + -ity.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general state; countable when referring to specific doubts or fears. Often followed by the preposition 'about'.

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