insecure
Insecure (adj) means not confident about oneself; anxious or uncertain. Example: “He felt insecure about his new job for the first few weeks.”
How to use insecure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLacking confidence, or lacking safety/stability, depending on context.
Word forms
more insecure comparative, most insecure superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He felt _____ about his new job for the first few weeks.
Etymology
Formed from in- ("not") plus secure.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for insecure
See all rhymes for insecure →Frequently asked questions
What does “insecure” mean?
The word “insecure” means not confident about oneself; anxious or uncertain. In plain terms, lacking confidence, or lacking safety/stability, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “insecure”?
“Insecure” is pronounced ihn-suh-KYOOR (/ɪnsəˈkjʊɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “insecure” in a sentence?
Here is “insecure” used in a sentence: “He felt insecure about his new job for the first few weeks.”
What is the opposite of “insecure”?
The opposite of “insecure” — its antonyms — are confident and self-confident.
What part of speech is “insecure”?
“Insecure” is an adjective.
Is “insecure” a common word?
“Insecure” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “insecure” have?
“Insecure” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not confident about oneself; anxious or uncertain.
What is the difference between insecure about a person and an insecure system?
When describing a person, insecure means lacking confidence and feeling anxious or uncertain about oneself. When describing a system, object, or situation, insecure means not safe, stable, or well protected, such as an insecure network or an insecure ladder.
What is the opposite of insecure?</question>
The opposite of insecure is secure, meaning confident and self-assured when describing a person, or safe and well protected when describing a system or object.
How is insecure used in everyday conversation?
In everyday conversation, insecure most often describes emotional uncertainty, as in "she felt insecure about her new job," though it is also common in technology contexts, as in "an insecure password."