Insecureness vs. Insecurity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
Insecurity is the preferred term referring to the state of feeling uncertain or anxious about oneself, while insecureness is a less common synonym with the same meaning but is rarely used.
Difference Between Insecureness and Insecurity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Insecurity describes a feeling of uncertainty, lack of confidence, or anxiety about oneself or a situation. Insecureness also refers to a state of being insecure or feeling unsafe. However, it is an uncommon term and is rarely used in modern English.
Insecurity is the standard and widely accepted term in both formal and informal contexts, while insecureness might be understood but is not typically used in contemporary language.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of feeling uncertain or anxious
A state of feeling insecure or unsafe
Common Usage
Widely used and recognized
Rarely used, less common synonym
Contexts
Psychological, everyday language
Uncommon, sometimes literary
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Examples
"Her insecurity affected her confidence."
"His insecureness was apparent in his behavior."
Preferred Term
Yes
No
Compare with Definitions
Insecureness
A feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about oneself.
Her insecurity about her performance affected her work.
Insecurity
The state of being insecure or lacking safety.
His insecureness made him constantly seek validation.
Insecureness
Lack of confidence or assurance.
He struggled with insecurity in social situations.
Insecurity
A less common term for insecurity.
Insecureness about the future can cause anxiety.
Insecureness
The condition of being vulnerable or unsafe.
Economic insecurity affects many families.
Insecurity
Feeling unsafe or not confident.
Her insecureness was evident in her hesitance to speak up.
Insecureness
A state of being open to danger or threat.
The insecurity in the region caused widespread fear.
Insecurity
An outdated or less recognized synonym for insecurity.
The insecureness of the building was a concern.
Insecureness
Not sure or certain; doubtful
Unemployed and facing an insecure future.
Insecurity
Rarely used in modern English.
Despite his insecureness, he managed to perform well.
Insecureness
Inadequately guarded or protected; unsafe
A shortage of military police made the air base insecure.
Insecurity
Not sure or certain; doubtful
Unemployed and facing an insecure future.
Insecureness
Not firm or fixed; unsteady
An insecure foothold.
Insecurity
Inadequately guarded or protected; unsafe
A shortage of military police made the air base insecure.
Insecureness
Lacking stability; troubled
An insecure relationship.
Insecurity
Not firm or fixed; unsteady
An insecure foothold.
Insecureness
Lacking self-confidence; plagued by anxiety
Had always felt insecure at parties.
Insecurity
Lacking stability; troubled
An insecure relationship.
Insecureness
Insecurity
Insecurity
Lacking self-confidence; plagued by anxiety
Had always felt insecure at parties.
Insecureness
Insecurity.
Insecurity
A lack of security; uncertainty.
Insecureness
The state of being exposed to risk or anxiety
Insecurity
A lack of confidence in oneself; self-doubt.
Insecureness
Emotional instability due to perceived inadequacies.
Insecurity can lead to difficulty in forming relationships.
Insecurity
The state of being subject to danger; vulnerability.
Insecurity
The condition or quality of being insecure; lack of safety; danger; hazard; as, the insecurity of a building liable to fire; insecurity of a debt.
Insecurity
The state of feeling insecure; uncertainty; lack of confidence.
With what insecurity of truth we ascribe effects . . . unto arbitrary calculations.
A time of insecurity, when interests of all sorts become objects of speculation.
Insecurity
The state of being subject to danger or injury
Insecurity
The anxiety you experience when you feel vulnerable and insecure
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in meaning between insecurity and insecureness?
No, they have the same meaning, but insecurity is preferred and more widely used.
What is insecurity?
Insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty, lack of confidence, or anxiety about oneself or a situation.
Which term is more commonly used?
Insecurity is the more commonly used and recognized term.
Can insecurity refer to physical safety?
Yes, insecurity can refer to a state of being open to danger or threat.
Can insecureness be used in modern English?
While it can be understood, insecureness is rarely used in modern English.
Is there a formal context where insecureness is used?
Insecureness is not typically used in formal contexts; insecurity is the preferred term.
Where is insecurity commonly used?
Insecurity is used in psychological contexts and everyday language to describe feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Why is insecurity preferred over insecureness?
Insecurity is preferred due to its widespread recognition and usage in both formal and informal contexts.
Can insecurity affect relationships?
Yes, insecurity can lead to difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships.
What is insecureness?
Insecureness is a less common synonym for insecurity, referring to the state of feeling insecure or unsafe.
Is insecureness found in literature?
Insecureness may appear in older or more literary texts but is uncommon in contemporary writing.
Does insecureness imply emotional instability?
Yes, similar to insecurity, it can imply emotional instability due to perceived inadequacies.
Is insecureness a recognized term?
It is recognized but rarely used, and most people use insecurity instead.
Can insecurity impact mental health?
Yes, chronic insecurity can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
While they can be used interchangeably in meaning, insecurity is the preferred and more appropriate term to use.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
