insecure
adjective
in·se·cure
ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r 
1
a
: deficient in assurance : beset by fear and anxiety
always felt insecure in a group of strangers
b
: not highly stable or well-adjusted
an insecure marriage
2
: not confident or sure : uncertain
feeling somewhat insecure of his reception
3
: not adequately guarded or sustained : unsafe
an insecure investment
4
: not firmly fastened or fixed : shaky
the hinge is loose and insecure
5
: unable to reliably afford or access what is needed to meet one's basic needs
families that are housing insecure [=that are at risk of losing their housing]
see also food insecure
insecurely
adverb
insecureness
noun
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Synonyms
Examples of insecure in a Sentence
I feel shy and insecure around strangers.
One of the building's rear doors was insecure.
The country's borders remain insecure.
Recent Examples on the Web
The insecure bafflement over Photorealism was reflected in a sudden ‘70s glut of competing terms — Superrealism, Hyperrealism, Sharp-focus Realism, Post-Pop Illusionism, New Realism, Radical Realism.
—
Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
So many young men are bullied, feel incredibly insecure with themselves, and are struggling to find their identity in their youth.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024
Palmer is definitely insecure, anxious, uncertain of himself.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024
Its abilities to filter dangerous websites, warn of insecure Wi-Fi, and report problems with overall device security are also helpful.
—PCMAG, 27 Nov. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near insecure
Cite this Entry
“Insecure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecure. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
insecure
adjective
in·se·cure
ˌin(t)-si-ˈkyu̇(ə)r
1
: not confident or sure : uncertain
felt insecure about their response
2
: not well protected : not safe
insecure property
3
: not firmly fastened : loose
an insecure hinge
4
: lacking self-assurance
insecure people
insecurely
adverb
Medical Definition
insecure
adjective
in·se·cure
ˌin(t)-si-ˈkyu̇(ə)r
: characterized by or causing emotional insecurity
an insecure childhood
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