precarious

[ pri-kair-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; insecure:

   a precarious livelihood.

   Synonyms: indeterminate, unsure

   Antonyms: secure

2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another:

   He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.

   Synonyms: undependable, unreliable, dubious, doubtful

   Antonyms: reliable

3. exposed to or involving danger; dangerous; perilous; risky:

   the precarious life of an underseas diver.

   Synonyms: hazardous

   Antonyms: safe

4. having insufficient, little, or no foundation:

   a precarious assumption.

   Synonyms: unfounded, baseless, groundless

   Antonyms: well-founded

precarious

/ prɪˈkɛərɪəs /

adjective

1. liable to failure or catastrophe; insecure; perilous
2. archaic.
   dependent on another's will

Derived Forms

• preˈcariousness, noun
• preˈcariously, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb
• pre·car·i·ous·ness noun
• su·per·pre·car·i·ous adjective
• su·per·pre·car·i·ous·ness noun
• un·pre·car·i·ous adjective
• un·pre·car·i·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of precarious¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin precārius “obtained by entreaty; given as a favor; borrowed; uncertain”; prayer ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of precarious¹

C17: from Latin precārius obtained by begging (hence, dependent on another's will), from prex prayer ¹

Synonym Study

See uncertain.

Example Sentences

Harvesting olives is an age-old ritual and also an economic necessity for many Palestinians, but, according to the UN, it is increasingly precarious.

From BBC

But considering the sport's precarious financial situation – especially at domestic level – nothing is off the table.

From BBC

Sri Lanka's economic situation remains precarious – and the main focus is still on providing essential goods and services.

From BBC

He added that the force was in a "precarious position" because previously used options to "prop up" its budget had run out.

From BBC

After a turbulent week and the dramatic resignation of the man that leads it, the Church of England is trying to take stock at what is a precarious moment.

From BBC

Related Words

• dangerous
• delicate
• dicey
• hazardous
• insecure
• perilous
• problematic
• risky
• rocky
• shaky
• slippery
• ticklish
• touchy
• uncertain
• unhealthy
• unreliable
• unsettled
• unstable
• unsteady