Precarious: meaning, definitions and examples
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precarious
[ prɪˈkɛːrɪəs ]
living conditions
Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
Synonyms
perilous, risky, uncertain, unstable
Examples of usage
- The bridge was swaying in the wind, making it feel precarious to cross.
- She lived in a precarious apartment building that was in danger of collapsing.
- The hikers carefully navigated the precarious mountain trail.
- His job security was precarious due to the company's financial instability.
situation
Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The country's economy was in a precarious state after the financial crisis.
- The ceasefire between the two warring factions was precarious and could be broken at any moment.
Translations
Translations of the word "precarious" in other languages:
🇵🇹 precário
🇮🇳 अस्थिर
🇩🇪 prekär
🇮🇩 rawan
🇺🇦 невизначений
🇵🇱 niepewny
🇯🇵 不安定な
🇫🇷 précaire
🇪🇸 precario
🇹🇷 güvencesiz
🇰🇷 불안정한
🇸🇦 غير مستقر
🇨🇿 nejistý
🇸🇰 nejistý
🇨🇳 不稳定的
🇸🇮 negotov
🇮🇸 óstöðugur
🇰🇿 тұрақсыз
🇬🇪 უცნობი
🇦🇿 qeyri-sabit
🇲🇽 precario
Word origin
The word 'precarious' comes from the Latin word 'precarius', meaning 'obtained by entreaty'. It evolved to mean 'dependent on another's will' or 'held by favour'. Over time, it took on the sense of 'uncertain' or 'risky'. The modern usage of 'precarious' reflects the idea of something being in a dangerous or uncertain position.