Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not safe from attack or danger: Describes something that is vulnerable or not protected.
   • Lacking self-confidence or assurance: Describes a person who is uncertain, anxious, or has low self-esteem.
   • Not firm or stable; likely to fail or give way: Describes something that is physically weak, loose, or unreliable.
   • Lacking in security or safety: Describes a situation, position, or feeling that is uncertain or precarious.

Usage Examples

• Describing vulnerability:
  • The castle's defenses were insecure, making it an easy target.
  • Leaving the door unlocked made the house feel insecure.
• Describing a lack of confidence:
  • He felt insecure about his public speaking skills.
  • Her insecure demeanor made it hard for her to make new friends.
• Describing physical instability:
  • The ladder was insecure and wobbled dangerously.
  • They couldn't build on the insecure foundation.
• Describing a precarious situation:
  • The company's financial future is insecure.
  • She held an insecure job with no contract.

Advanced Usage

• "to feel insecure about something": to have doubts or anxiety regarding a specific thing.
  • Many teenagers feel insecure about their appearance.
• "insecure in one's position/role": uncertain about the stability or permanence of one's job or status.
  • The new manager felt insecure in his position during the first few months.

Variants and Related Words

• Insecurely (adverb): In a manner that is not safe, firm, or confident.
  • The picture was hung insecurely on the wall.
• Insecurity (noun): The state or feeling of being insecure.
  • His constant bragging was a sign of deep insecurity.

Synonyms

• Unsafe: Not safe; exposed to danger.
• Vulnerable: Susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
• Unstable: Not firm or steady; prone to change or failure.
• Unconfident: Lacking confidence; hesitant.
• Precarious: Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

Antonyms

• Secure: Fixed or fastened firmly; safe; confident.
• Confident: Feeling or showing certainty about something.
• Stable: Not likely to change or fail; firmly fixed.

Related Phrases

• Insecure attachment: (Psychology) A pattern of relationship where an individual has difficulty trusting or depending on others.
  • Childhood experiences can sometimes lead to insecure attachment in adults.

Adjective

1. not safe from attack
2. lacking self-confidence or assurance
   • an insecure person lacking mental stability
3. lacking in security or safety
   • his fortune was increasingly insecure
   • an insecure future
4. not firm or firmly fixed; likely to fail or give way
   • the hinge is insecure