English · Emotions & Feelings
insecurity
/ˌɪn.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/
[/ˌɪn.sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti/]
lack of confidence
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A feeling of not being confident or certain about oneself.
Example
His insecurity about his accent made him reluctant to speak up in large meetings.
His insecurity about his accent made him reluctant to speak up in large meetings.
Etymology
From 'in-' (not) plus 'security' (Latin 'securus', carefree).
How & Where It’s Used
Describes self-doubt; also means an unstable or unsafe condition.