precariously

[ pri-kair-ee-uhs-lee ]

adverb

1. in an unstable, uncertain, or insecure way:

   The two archrivals sit precariously balanced at the top of the league, either one likely to fall in the standings at any time.

2. in a way that is dependent on the will of others:

   They live precariously, subject to arrest by immigration authorities, and with taxes withheld from paychecks that they cannot reclaim.

3. in a way that is risky or dangerous; perilously:

   He steadies the canoe as his son stands precariously in the bow, aiming his spear toward the river.

Other Words From

• su·per·pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb
• un·pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of precariously¹

precarious ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The frenzied withdrawal and terrible loss of life occurred on Biden’s watch — as did the abandonment of at least 78,000 Afghans who worked for the U.S. government and continue to live there precariously.

From Los Angeles Times

The sight of residents dangling precariously out of their windows left you wondering what George-Eugène Haussmann, the man who carefully rebuilt Paris in the 19th Century, would make of it all.

From BBC

Grace Rohloff was an athlete who had traversed precariously narrow trails leading up to Angels Landing in Zion National Park, hiked the Grand Canyon and trekked across mountains in Sedona.

From Los Angeles Times

But as one of just a handful remaining independent pharmacies in Portland, Hubbell said Brooklyn Pharmacy survives uneasily and teeters precariously on the brink of extinction.

From Seattle Times

The conditions have led to bottlenecks as unnerving videos have circulated of long lines of climbers waiting precariously on a precipice.

From New York Times

Related Words

• alarmingly
• critically
• desperately
• perilously
• recklessly
• seriously
• severely