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Insecure: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：lacking self-confidence (insecure)
insecure
/ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊər/
adj.
Feeling not confident in yourself, often worrying about what others think or if you are good enough.
lacking self-confidence
➕
/ˈlækɪŋ ˌself ˈkɒnfɪdəns/
adj.
Refers to a state of feeling uncertain about oneself, often accompanied by anxiety over others' perceptions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'securus' (safe), meaning not safe or confident.
💡 Mnemonic
Break it down: 'in-' means not, 'secure' means safe. So, insecure is not safe or not confident.
📖 Example
When she started her new job, she felt quite insecure and was afraid to speak up in meetings.
Upon beginning her new position, she experienced feelings of inadequacy and was reluctant to participate in meetings.
🔗 Collocations
feel insecure – to experience a lack of confidence
insecure about – having doubts regarding a specific aspect
deeply insecure – extremely lacking in self-assurance
🔄 Synonyms
anxious (adj.) – feeling worried or uneasy
uncertain (adj.) – not sure or confident
self-doubting (adj.) – questioning one's own abilities
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
insecurity (n.) – the state of being insecure
insecurely (adv.) – in a manner that is not secure or confident
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'insecūrus', combining 'in-' (not) and 'secūrus' (safe). Entered English in the 17th century, initially for physical safety, later extended to psychological confidence.
Meaning 2：not physically safe (insecure)
insecure
/ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊər/
adj.
Not physically safe or protected, easy to be broken into or attacked.
not physically safe
➕
/nɒt ˈfɪzɪkli seɪf/
adj.
Describes an object, place, or system that lacks proper protection and is susceptible to damage or intrusion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The old lock on the shed was very insecure, so we decided to replace it with a new one.
The shed's antiquated lock was highly vulnerable, prompting us to install a new one for better security.
🔗 Collocations
insecure lock – a lock that does not provide adequate security
insecure building – a structure that is not safely protected
financially insecure – lacking stability in monetary matters
🔄 Synonyms
vulnerable (adj.) – open to harm or attack
unsafe (adj.) – not safe or protected
unprotected (adj.) – lacking defense or cover
🌱 Derivatives
insecurity (n.) – the condition of being insecure
insecurely (adv.) – in an unsafe manner
Wordbook
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