adjective
insecure
in-sih-KYOOR/ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊr/
Not firmly protected against destabilizing harm.
The insecure shelf tilts as its bracket pulls away from the wall.
Etymology
Negating “free from care” connects insecure with fear and doubt as well as danger. The physical sense reflects the extension of secure to things stable enough to give grounds for confidence.
In context
parents of such children broadcast to them we are insecure we as parents we are insecure the world is not safe we need you you owe us
More examples
- She feels insecure about her ability to lead the team.
- An insecure password leaves your account open to attack.
- His job remains insecure while the company struggles to survive.
Forms
insecure · more insecure · most insecure
insecurity noun — A lack of safety, stability, or confidence.
insecurely adverb — Without firm support, protection, or confidence.
Similar words
- unsafe
- Emphasizes exposure to danger rather than uncertainty or instability.
- unstable
- Emphasizes a tendency to shift, fail, or change unexpectedly.
- vulnerable
- Emphasizes susceptibility to harm, even when something seems stable.