First Known Use: 1646
Dictionary
precarious
adjective pre·car·i·ous \pri-ˈker-ē-əs\
: not safe, strong, or steady
Full Definition of PRECARIOUS
1
: depending on the will or pleasure of another
3
a : dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments b : characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger
— pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb
— pre·car·i·ous·ness noun
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Examples of PRECARIOUS
- These states are corrupt and brutal. They are theocracies, or precarious autocracies, or secular totalitarian states: tyrannies all, deniers of freedom, republics of fear, enemies of civility and human flourishing. —Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review, 15 Oct. 2001
- Such folks led a precarious existence, their homes routinely destroyed in pursuit of a scorched earth policy whenever Florence came under siege. —R.W.B. Lewis, Dante, 2001
- She was the first baby he had ever held; he had thought it would be a precarious experience, shot through with fear of dropping something so precious and fragile, but no, in even the smallest infant there was an adhesive force, a something that actively fit your arms and hands, banishing the fear. —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
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Origin of PRECARIOUS
Latin precarius obtained by entreaty, uncertain — more at prayer
Synonym Discussion of PRECARIOUS
dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury. dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully <soldiers on a dangerous mission>. hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure <claims that smoking is hazardous to your health>. precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty <earned a precarious living by gambling>. perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger <perilous mountain roads>. risky often applies to a known and accepted danger <shied away from risky investments>.
Rhymes with PRECARIOUS
PRECARIOUS Defined for Kids
precarious
adjective pre·car·i·ous \pri-ˈker-ē-əs\
Definition of PRECARIOUS for Kids
: not safe, strong, or steady <precarious balance> <a precarious journey>
— pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb
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