Precarious Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈprɛkəˈreiəs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

A precarious situation or condition is one that is unstable, uncertain, or precarious, involving a risk of falling, failing, or coming to harm. It is akin to being in a state of delicate balance or on the brink of collapse.

Examples

1. “He walked a precarious tightrope to avoid the obstacles on the stage.”

2. “The economy was in a precarious state, with investors fearing a collapse.”

Synonyms

1. Unstable

2. Delicate

3. Fragile

4. Volatile

Antonyms

1. Stable

2. Secure

3. Solid

4. Firm

Etymology

The word “precarious” comes from the Old French word “precarie”, meaning “thing that is readily available” or “thing that is easily obtained”, which is derived from the Latin word “praecaria”, a noun form of the adjective “praecarius”, meaning “of or pertaining to a loan” or “of or pertaining to borrowing”. In Modern English, the word has evolved to describe a situation or condition that is on the verge of collapse or instability.

Usage Notes

Precarious is often used to describe situations or conditions that are on the brink of collapse, instability, or failure. It can also be used to describe something that is easily damaged or broken. When using the word, consider the context and the level of risk or uncertainty involved.

Example: “The company’s financial situation is precarious, and it may not survive the next quarter.”

Cultural References

Precarious has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “The Precarious” by Alfred Bester, the protagonist navigates a world of precarious relationships and power struggles.

In music, the term has been used in song titles and lyrics to describe the risks and uncertainties of life.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Walking a tightrope” is an idiomatic expression that means carefully balancing between two opposing forces or situations, which is often precarious.

2. “On thin ice” is another idiomatic expression that means being in a precarious situation, where a wrong move could lead to negative consequences.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Dilemma

2. Uncertainty

3. Risk

4. Instability

Collocations

1. Precarious situation

2. Delicate balance

3. Fragile economy

4. Volatile market

Frequency of Use

Precarious is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is used in professional and academic contexts to describe complex situations or conditions.

1. Precariuos

2. Precaruis

3. Prekarisu