Insecure means feeling uncertain or anxious about yourself, your abilities, or your situation. When you're insecure, you worry that you're not good enough, that others might judge you, or that something you care about might fall apart.

A student might feel insecure about reading aloud in class, worrying they'll stumble over words even though they're actually a good reader. Someone might feel insecure about joining a new soccer team, doubting whether they'll fit in or play well enough. These feelings often come from inside our own minds rather than from real evidence that something's wrong.

The word can also describe things that aren't safe or stable. An insecure ladder wobbles dangerously. An insecure computer network can be easily hacked. An insecure lock won't keep intruders out.

When people act insecure, they might fish for compliments, compare themselves constantly to others, or avoid trying new things for fear of failing. Insecurity is the noun form: “Her insecurity about her artwork kept her from entering the contest.” The opposite of insecure is secure, meaning either confident and self-assured (for feelings) or safe and protected (for things).