feel insecure

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel insecure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling that someone has. For example, "John began to feel insecure after his friends started making fun of him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People feel insecure and they want answers to that insecurity".

The Guardian

I absolutely feel insecure.

The Guardian

"Those make us feel insecure.

The Guardian - Film

You wouldn't be nuts to feel insecure".

The New York Times - Books

"We feel insecure," the woman added.

The New York Times

It made me feel insecure and nervous".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Surely, you don't feel insecure socialising?

The Guardian

I have been made to feel insecure by his minions".

The New Yorker

People feel insecure, pessimistic, angry, disappointed, afraid, depressed, anxious.

The Economist

"It doesn't look good to outsiders, and insiders feel insecure".

The New York Times - Sports

"Whenever I had guests, I would feel insecure," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cause of feeling insecure, be specific. Instead of saying "I feel insecure", try "I feel insecure because of the constant criticism."

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of just stating "They feel insecure", clarify the area of insecurity: "They feel insecure about their job security."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel insecure" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as a predicate expressing a state of being. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes a subjective emotional state characterized by a lack of confidence or safety. Examples show it used to describe personal feelings as well as feelings of groups of people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel insecure" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of confidence, safety, or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the source or area of insecurity to provide clarity. Alternatives like "feel vulnerable" or "lack confidence" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid vagueness and be precise about what is causing the feeling of insecurity for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel vulnerable

Focuses on the sense of being exposed and susceptible to harm or criticism.

feel uncertain

Emphasizes a lack of confidence or sureness about something.

feel unsure

Similar to 'feel uncertain', highlighting a lack of conviction.

feel anxious

Highlights the aspect of worry and unease associated with insecurity.

lack confidence

Shifts the focus to a deficiency in self-assurance.

feel self-conscious

Emphasizes awareness of oneself and concern about being judged by others.

feel threatened

Highlights the perception of danger or potential harm, leading to insecurity.

feel inadequate

Focuses on the feeling of not being good enough or capable.

feel uneasy

Highlights a general sense of discomfort and apprehension.

feel apprehensive

Expresses anticipation of future trouble or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "feel insecure" in a sentence?

You can use "feel insecure" to express a lack of confidence or safety in a situation. For example, "I "feel insecure" when I don't understand the instructions."

What's the difference between "feel insecure" and "feel anxious"?

"Feel insecure" generally relates to a lack of confidence or safety, while "feel anxious" suggests worry or unease about something. One might "feel insecure" about their abilities, leading them to feel anxious about an upcoming performance.

Which is correct, "feel insecure" or "feel unsecure"?

"Feel insecure" is the correct and more common phrase. "Feel unsecure" is rarely used and sounds awkward.

What are some alternatives to "feel insecure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "feel vulnerable", "lack confidence", or "feel uncertain".