insecurity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word insecurity is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of vulnerability or lack of confidence. For example, "He felt a deep sense of insecurity when he was faced with the difficult task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The calm sea, the sky without a cloud, now seem, as Conrad put it, "formidably insecure".The cause of the insecurity is that Mr Blair cannot be sure what the collision meant.

The Economist

If history is anything to go by, he will delegate economic policy to technocrats, and focus his own energies on tackling insecurity and reducing corruption in government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The big issues are job insecurity, low wages and the reality that the economy is not delivering for too many people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recurring issues of unemployment, job insecurity and low pay were also foremost on voter's minds.

The Guardian

He had inherited a kingdom torn by ideologically opposed groups, beset by unemployment, corruption, insecurity and terrorism, yet basking in a second oil boom.

The Guardian

But it also enjoys wider support, from people whose hostility towards immigrants or Islam is shaped less by old-fashioned racism than by a newfangled sense of fear and insecurity.

The Guardian - Opinion

We condemn the current distribution of economic resources whereby only a tiny minority escape poverty and insecurity, and future generations are condemned to a poisoned legacy thanks to the environmental crimes of the rich and powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kelly was surprised to find that Rowan, the more experienced poly partner, is feeling a lot of insecurity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I see him fully focused on insecurity while his vice-president, Yemi Osibajo, concentrates on the economy.

The Guardian

For all the braggadocio and laughter there seems to be so much buried trauma and insecurity.

The Guardian - Sport

He criticised predecessors Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for creating insecurity by making constant team changes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "insecurity", be specific about its source. For example, instead of just saying "There is insecurity", specify "There is job insecurity" or "There is insecurity about the future" to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "insecurity" interchangeably with "lack of confidence" in all contexts. While related, "insecurity" often implies a broader sense of instability or threat, whereas "lack of confidence" primarily relates to self-doubt.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "insecurity" is as a noun. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing a state or condition of being insecure. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "insecurity" is a versatile noun used to describe a state of lacking safety, stability, or confidence. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media but also appears in Formal & Business and Science settings. When using "insecurity", consider specifying the source of the insecurity for greater clarity. Avoid interchanging it loosely with "lack of confidence", as "insecurity" often implies a broader sense of instability. Alternatives such as "uncertainty" or "vulnerability" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to be specific about the type of "insecurity" to improve clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of confidence

Focuses on the internal feeling of not being sure of oneself.

lack of safety

Stresses the absence of secure conditions or protection.

state of vulnerability

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

state of precariousness

Emphasizes the instability and riskiness of a situation.

feeling of uncertainty

Highlights the absence of sureness about something.

absence of stability

Focuses on the lack of firm and reliable conditions.

sense of unease

Indicates a mild feeling of anxiety or discomfort.

feeling threatened

Highlights the perception of being at risk or endangered.

fearfulness

Highlights a state of being afraid or apprehensive.

apprehension

Emphasizes anxiety or fear that something bad will happen.

FAQs

How is "insecurity" commonly used in a sentence?

The term "insecurity" is often used to describe a state of unease or lack of safety. For example, "The political climate is causing widespread "economic insecurity"" or "He struggled with "emotional insecurity" after the incident".

What are some alternatives to the word "insecurity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "uncertainty", "vulnerability", or "anxiety" to replace "insecurity".

Is it correct to use "insecurity" to describe a physical threat?

Yes, "insecurity" can refer to a physical threat, implying a lack of safety or protection. For instance, "The region suffers from "physical insecurity" due to ongoing conflict".

What's the difference between "insecurity" and "anxiety"?

"Insecurity" generally refers to a lack of stability or safety, while "anxiety" describes a state of worry or nervousness. While related, "anxiety" is more about the internal feeling of unease, and "insecurity" is about the external condition causing that feeling.