What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insecure
Example
She felt insecure about her appearance after seeing all the models on social media. [insecure: adjective]
Example
The company's financial situation made the employees feel insecure about their jobs. [insecure: adjective]
anxious
Example
He was anxious about his upcoming job interview. [anxious: adjective]
Example
The students were anxious before their final exams. [anxious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anxious is more commonly used than insecure in everyday language. Anxious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insecure is less common and refers to a specific type of negative emotion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insecure and anxious?
Both insecure and anxious can be used in formal and informal contexts, but anxious may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its versatility and broader range of meanings.