insecurity

[ in-si-kyoor-i-tee ]

/ ˌɪn sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt: He is plagued by insecurity.

the quality or state of being insecure; instability: the insecurity of her financial position.

something insecure: the many insecurities of life.

Origin of insecurity

From the Medieval Latin word insēcūritās, dating back to 1640–50. See insecure, -ity

2 precariousness, shakiness, vulnerability.

In reality,” Francis said, “theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity.

Pope Francis Denounces the Vatican Elite’s 'Spiritual Alzheimer’s' |Barbie Latza Nadeau |December 23, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
For the first time since that peak of confusion, insecurity, and uncertainty called middle school, I felt truly alone.

Freshman Year Sucks—and That’s OK |Eleanor Hyun |November 12, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
His judgments are not rash or driven by insecurity, fear, and a longing for the past.

The Walking Dead’s Luke Skywalker: Rick Grimes Is the Perfect Modern-Day Mythical Hero |Regina Lizik |October 28, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
“They are motivated by insecurity, fear, lack of imagination and above all, a lack of flair,” he said.

Mike Leigh Is the Master Filmmaker Who Hates Hollywood |Nico Hines |October 14, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

With freedom there are no answers, but the sense of insecurity makes you feel alive.

Life After ‘SVU’: Christopher Meloni on ‘They Came Together,’ Stabler, and His Famous Behind |Marlow Stern |June 21, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
In a world of insecurity and change it is good to have one bedrock certainty upon which the mind can rest.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 153, Oct. 17, 1917 |Various
He talks of a “strange insecurity;” but, upon my word, no insecurity could be half so strange as this assertion of his own.

Cottage Economy |William Cobbett
Especially at the thought of meeting Hamlin again, this sense of insecurity became actual panic.

The Duke of Stockbridge |Edward Bellamy
Now she was just a trifle startled by a feeling of insecurity.

What Will People Say? |Rupert Hughes
The quarrelings of its hot youth, the tension of strife and insecurity, the life of alarms it has lived, have aged it.

A Midsummer Drive Through The Pyrenees |Edwin Asa Dix