German Conversation · Level 124
44 words
German word
Unsicherheit
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʊnzɪçɐhaɪ̯t/
Meaning
- feminine nouninsecurity
Example
In neuen Situationen habe ich oft Unsicherheiten.
I often feel insecure in new situations.
More examples
Bei Kritik an meiner Arbeit schleicht sich Unsicherheit ein.
When my work is criticized, insecurity creeps in.
Core concept
A new situation leaves a person scanning for guidance while confidence and certainty remain out of reach.
Common phrases
eine Unsicherheit zugeben
admit an insecurity
Unsicherheit äußern
express insecurity
Similar words
Angst: Intense fear and anxiety marked by physical tension or a desire to escape.
Ungewissheit: Concern arising when the future cannot be foreseen because facts are lacking.
Zweifel: Uncertainty about whether a fact is true or a decision is correct.
Definition in German
Unsicherheit bezeichnet das Fehlen von Sicherheit oder Gewissheit, besonders wenn man nicht weiß, wie etwas ausgeht.
Word origin
The form Unsicherheit names the state produced by adding un- to sicher and turning the result into an abstract noun with -heit.
Usage tips
- Unsicherheit can describe low confidence as well as uncertainty, whereas Angst normally refers to fear rather than mere doubt.
Other meanings
- uncertaintynoun
- self-doubtnoun
Opposites
- Sicherheitsecuritynoun
Related words
- Unsicherheitsgefühlfeeling of insecuritynoun
- unsicherinsecureadjective