Precarious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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precarious

[prɪˈkɛːrɪəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

living conditions

Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

Synonyms

perilous, risky, uncertain, unstable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
precarious	Used to describe a situation that is dangerously unstable or insecure, typically in a physical or social sense. The ladder looked precarious as it wobbled on the uneven ground. They were living in precarious conditions, not knowing where their next meal would come from.
unstable	Used to describe something or someone that is not stable or is likely to change or collapse, often referring to mental states, relationships, or physical structures. The bridge is unstable and could collapse at any moment. She has been feeling mentally unstable because of the stress.
uncertain	Used to describe a lack of certainty, often about the future or outcomes of events, without necessarily implying danger. The outcome of the election is still uncertain. He felt uncertain about his career path after graduation.
risky	Typically used in casual or everyday conversation to talk about actions or decisions that involve a high chance of failure or danger. Investing all your money in a single stock is risky. She knew that starting her own business was a risky move.
perilous	Often used to describe situations that involve great risk or danger, suggesting an immediate threat. The hikers found themselves in a perilous situation when the storm hit. Crossing the bridge during the flood was a perilous adventure.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

situation

Not securely held or in position; dependent on chance; uncertain.

Synonyms

perilous, uncertain, unstable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
precarious	This word is often used to describe situations that are risky and not stable, usually emphasizing the lack of security or safety. Living in that old building is becoming increasingly precarious. The country is in a precarious financial situation.
unstable	This word describes something that is not firm or steady and is likely to change or fail, often referring to physical objects or emotional states. The ladder looks unstable; be careful when you climb it. His mental state has been unstable since the accident.
uncertain	This term is used when the outcome or future is not known or predictable, often inducing feelings of doubt or unpredictability. The weather forecast for the weekend is uncertain. We're facing uncertain times with the new regulations.
perilous	This word is used for situations that involve great danger or risk, often implying a life-threatening or very hazardous situation. The climb up the sheer rock face was perilous. He undertook a perilous journey across the desert.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Living in precarious conditions can lead to increased stress and anxiety, affecting mental health and decision-making.
Research has shown that uncertainty in life situations can decrease overall well-being, making people feel less secure.

Literature

Many authors use precarious situations in their narratives to create tension and develop character arcs, illustrating how characters navigate danger.
Famous works often highlight the fragility of human life and relationships, emphasizing how quickly situations can become precarious.

Economics

The concept of precarious employment refers to jobs that are unstable, part-time, or without benefits, reflecting a modern work environment.
Economic precariousness affects millions of people, as job security has decreased in several industries, leading to uncertainties in personal lives.

Environmental Science

Many ecosystems are in precarious states due to climate change, showing how environmental stability can be easily disrupted.
Species that rely on specific conditions are at risk as their habitats become precarious, highlighting the interdependence of life.

Origin of 'precarious'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'precarius,' which means 'obtained by prayer or begging,' indicating something uncertain or not guaranteed.
Originally used in legal contexts to describe conditions that were dependent on the goodwill of others, highlighting its connection to instability.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,698, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10695 sprayed
10696 infrequently
10697 rite
10698 precarious
10699 groupings
10700 cradle
10701 imbalance
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