WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
in•se•cure /ˌɪnsɪˈkyʊr/USA pronunciation
adj.
in•se•cu•ri•ty /ˌɪnsɪˈkyʊrɪti/USA pronunciation n., pl. -ties [uncountable]Her fear of asking questions in class is a sign of insecurity.[countable]Deal with your insecurities by confronting them.See -cura-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- subject to fears, doubts, etc.:an insecure person.
- not safe; exposed to risk or danger:fortified the defenses of their insecure borders.
- not firmly or safely fastened;
not secure:an insecure ladder.
in•se•cu•ri•ty /ˌɪnsɪˈkyʊrɪti/USA pronunciation n., pl. -ties [uncountable]Her fear of asking questions in class is a sign of insecurity.[countable]Deal with your insecurities by confronting them.See -cura-.
in•se•cure
(in′si kyŏŏr′),USA pronunciation adj.
in′se•cure′ly, adv.
in′se•cure′ness, n.
- subject to fears, doubts, etc.;
not self-confident or assured:an insecure person. - not confident or certain;
uneasy;
anxious:He was insecure about the examination. - not secure;
exposed or liable to risk, loss, or danger:an insecure stock portfolio. - not firmly or reliably placed or fastened:an insecure ladder.
- Medieval Latin insēcūrus. See in-3, secure
- 1640–50
in′se•cure′ness, n.
- 3. risky. See uncertain.