Precarious Meaning and Definition
Precarious
Pronunciation
/ˈprekəriəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A situation or condition that is uncertain, unstable, or prone to sudden collapse or failure.
Examples
- The company’s precarious financial situation made it difficult to secure investors.
- Her precarious position on the cliffs made her feel anxious.
- The firefighter’s precarious climb up the burning building was recorded on video.
- The team’s precarious lead meant that a single loss could send them tumbling down the standings.
- The city’s precarious balance of power made it vulnerable to external threats.
- The writer’s precarious relationship with her editor led to creative tension.
Synonyms
- Unstable
- Risky
- Delicate
- Perilous
Antonyms
- Stable
- Secure
- Robust
- Worry-free
Etymology
The word “Precarious” comes from the Latin word “precaris,” meaning “attendant on chance,” derived from “precaritus,” meaning “thorny” or “prickly.”
Usage Notes
Precarious can be used to describe situations, conditions, or states that are vulnerable or uncertain. It can also be used to describe people or things that are delicate or easily damaged.
Cultural References
Precarious has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel “The Precarious” by Jeanne Ray explores themes of uncertainty and vulnerability.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Precarious is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “precarious balance” or “precarious position,” to describe a delicate or unstable situation.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to precarious include “unstable,” “risky,” “delicate,” and “perilous.”
Collocations
Precarious is often used in collocations with words like “situation,” “position,” “balance,” “state,” and “condition.” For example, “a precarious situation” or “a precarious position.”
Frequency of Use
Precarious is a relatively frequently used word, particularly in informal and formal writing, to describe uncertain or unstable situations.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of precarious include “precarious,” “precarers,” and “precariousness.”