inseguro
“inseguro” means “insecure” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
insecure
Also: unsure
📝 In Action
Él es un chico muy inseguro.
A1He is a very insecure boy.
Me siento un poco inseguro sobre mi nivel de español.
B1I feel a bit unsure about my Spanish level.
Su tono de voz sonaba inseguro durante la entrevista.
B2His tone of voice sounded uncertain during the interview.
unsafe
Also: dangerous, unstable
📝 In Action
Este barrio es un poco inseguro de noche.
A2This neighborhood is a bit unsafe at night.
Ese puente parece inseguro.
B1That bridge looks unstable/unsafe.
Invertir todo tu dinero en una sola empresa es muy inseguro.
B2Investing all your money in a single company is very risky/unsafe.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: inseguro
Question 1 of 3
Which verb should you use to describe someone who has a generally shy and timid personality?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin prefix 'in-' (not) combined with 'securus' (safe, free from care).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'inseguro' always a negative word?
Yes, generally. Whether describing a person's confidence or the safety of a place, it indicates a lack of stability or protection.
Can I use 'inseguro' for a loose ladder or chair?
Absolutely! If a piece of furniture feels like it might break or fall, you can describe it as 'inseguro' or 'poco seguro'.
What is the difference between 'peligroso' and 'inseguro'?
'Peligroso' means dangerous (it can actively hurt you), while 'inseguro' often means a lack of safety or certainty. A neighborhood can be 'inseguro' because of crime, but a lion is 'peligroso'.