insecure
UK[ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊə(r)]US[ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊr]
adj
Not confident or assured; uncertain and anxious.
adj
Not firm or fixed; liable to give way or break.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
secure
in
not
secure
free from care
Etymology
The word 'insecure' is formed by adding the Latin negative prefix 'in-' to the adjective 'secure'. 'Secure' itself originates from the Latin 'securus', a compound of 'se-' (meaning "apart, without") and 'cura' (meaning "care, anxiety"), thus literally "without care". Over time, 'secure' evolved in English to denote safety and freedom from danger. By adding the negating prefix, 'insecure' directly inverts this meaning, describing a state of not being safe, stable, or free from anxiety, effectively capturing the core concept of vulnerability and self-doubt.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + secure
- in: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "without". It functions as a negative particle.
- secure: From Latin 'securus', meaning "free from care" or "safe". It functions as the root adjective.
Examples
He felt insecure about his abilities when starting the new job.
The ladder was old and felt insecure beneath her feet.
An insecure attachment in childhood can affect relationships later in life.