Precariously: meaning, definitions and examples

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precariously

 

[ prɪˈkɛːrɪəsli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that is dangerously unsteady or unstable.

Synonyms

shakily, unstable, unsteadily

Examples of usage

  • He balanced precariously on the edge of the cliff.
  • The old ladder swayed precariously as he climbed it.
Context #2 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that is dependent on chance or uncertain circumstances.

Synonyms

chancily, uncertainly

Examples of usage

  • Her job situation was precariously balanced after the company's financial troubles.
  • They were living precariously, never knowing when their next meal would come.

Translations

Translations of the word "precariously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perigosamente

🇮🇳 खतरनाक तरीके से

🇩🇪 gefährlich

🇮🇩 dengan berbahaya

🇺🇦 небезпечним чином

🇵🇱 niebezpiecznie

🇯🇵 危険に

🇫🇷 dangereusement

🇪🇸 peligrosamente

🇹🇷 tehlikeli bir şekilde

🇰🇷 위태롭게

🇸🇦 بشكل خطير

🇨🇿 nebezpečně

🇸🇰 nebezpečne

🇨🇳 危险地

🇸🇮 nevarno

🇮🇸 hættulega

🇰🇿 қауіпті түрде

🇬🇪 საფრთხის შემცველი

🇦🇿 təhlükəli şəkildə

🇲🇽 peligrosamente

Etymology

The word 'precariously' originated from the Latin word 'precarium', meaning 'obtained by entreaty'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify something dependent on uncertain circumstances or conditions. The adverb 'precariously' gained popularity in the English language to describe situations that are dangerously unsteady or dependent on chance.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,914, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.