Dicey: meaning, definitions and examples

Informal situations where you want to describe something that is risky and unpredictable, often with a touch of danger.

• Driving in that storm was really dicey.
• It's a dicey investment; you might lose all your money.

Situations where there is a potential for loss or negative outcomes, but not necessarily life-threatening.

• Starting a new business is always a risky move.
• Investing in that stock seems a bit risky right now.

Situations where the outcome or the future is not known or is unpredictable.

• The weather for the weekend is uncertain.
• Her plans for the future remain uncertain.

Situations where there is a significant risk of harm or injury.

• It's dangerous to walk alone at night in that part of town.
• Handling these chemicals without proper training is dangerous.

Used when something is risky, uncertain, or dangerous, often involving a chance of failure. Commonly used in informal settings.

• The weather conditions look dicey for flying today
• It’s a dicey investment that could either pay off big or leave you with nothing

This word is applicable when referring to something that is unstable, not firm, or lacking in strength and reliability. It can describe physical instability or metaphorical uncertainty.

• After the earthquake, the structure of the house was very shaky
• His confidence in public speaking is still quite shaky

Used to describe a person, machine, or system that frequently fails to meet expectations or responsibilities. It emphasizes inconsistency and failure to deliver results.

• The internet connection here is incredibly unreliable
• He’s an unreliable employee, always missing deadlines and meetings

Typically used in British English, this word describes something or someone that is potentially dishonest, unreliable, or unsafe. It implies a degree of untrustworthiness or shadiness.

• I wouldn’t buy that cheap phone from a dodgy website
• The deal seemed dodgy, so I decided not to go through with it