inseguridad
|in-se-gu-ri-dad|
/in.se.ɣu.ˈri.ðað/
lack of safety, stability, or confidence
Etymology
'inseguridad' originates from Spanish, formed by the negative prefix 'in-' (from Latin 'in-') attached to 'seguridad', which comes from Latin 'securitas', where 'securus' meant 'free from care'.
'securitas' (Latin) passed into Romance languages (e.g. Old French 'securite') and into Spanish as 'seguridad'; the negative prefix 'in-' (from Latin) was later combined with 'seguridad' to form 'inseguridad' in modern Spanish.
Initially, Latin 'securus' and related forms meant 'free from care' or 'safe'; over time the descendants took on the general sense of 'security' (safety/stability), and 'inseguridad' developed as the negation meaning 'lack of that safety or confidence'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
lack of physical safety; a situation or condition in which people or places are exposed to danger, crime, or threat.
La inseguridad en el barrio ha aumentado en los últimos meses.
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Noun 2
a feeling of personal insecurity or lack of self-confidence; emotional or psychological unease about oneself or one's abilities.
Su inseguridad le impide hablar en público con soltura.
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Noun 3
economic or social uncertainty; lack of stability regarding jobs, income, or future prospects.
La inseguridad laboral afecta a muchas familias de la ciudad.
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Last updated: 2025/11/12 03:49