Precipice: meaning, definitions and examples

A very steep or vertical face of a cliff or a dangerous situation close to disaster.

• He stood on the edge of a precipice, looking down at the raging sea.
• The company was on the precipice of bankruptcy.

A high, steep face of rock, typically used in both natural and dramatic contexts.

• The birds nested on the cliffs by the sea.
• He survived a dramatic cliffhanger in the movie.

A steep, rugged rock or a rocky outcrop, often used to describe challenging terrain for climbing.

• They scaled the crag in search of rare plants.
• A castle perched on a craggy summit.

A broad, steep cliff, often near a river or coast. Can also mean to deceive or trick someone.

• We walked along the river until we reached a high bluff.
• She was bluffing about knowing the answer.

A long, steep slope at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights, often used in geological contexts.

• The village lay at the foot of a steep escarpment.
• They trekked along the escarpment admiring the view.

A long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed, commonly used in both geographical and descriptive contexts.

• From the ridge, they could see the entire valley below.
• The soldiers marched along the ridge to avoid detection.

Used to describe a very steep rock face or cliff, often metaphorically to describe being on the brink of danger or disaster.

• Standing on the precipice, she felt a rush of fear.
• They are on the precipice of economic collapse.

Describes being at the very edge of something, especially a disaster or significant change.

• The country was on the brink of war.
• Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough.

Describes being very close or on the border of something, often used to indicate something imminent.

• He was on the verge of tears.
• The project is on the verge of completion.

A general term that describes the boundary or margin of something, can be literal or metaphorical.

• They sat on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the sea.
• He was on the edge of his seat during the movie.

Typically used to describe the entry point to a new state or condition, often metaphorical.

• She stood at the threshold of her new life.
• The company is on the threshold of a new era.

Used to indicate the point at which something is about to change, particularly when two states meet or transition.

• She was on the cusp of a new career.
• The technology is on the cusp of becoming mainstream.