Insecurity
/ˌɪn.səˈkjʊr.ə.ti/noun
A lack of confidence or certainty; a state of being unsafe or unprotected.
Did you know?The word is built from Latin roots meaning “not” + “carefree/secure,” and its deepest ancestor, *securus*, is tied to being free from care—so insecurity is basically the ancient opposite of peace of mind.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
securus
“free from care; safe; secure”
Late Latin
Latin
insecuritas
“lack of security; unsafe condition”
Old French
Old French
insecurité
“insecurity; lack of safety or confidence”
Late Middle English
English
insecurite
“state of being unsafe or unsteady”
Modern English
English
insecurity
“lack of confidence, certainty, or safety”