Precarious

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /prɪˈkɛriəs/

Definitions of precarious

adjective showing uncertainty or instability; dangerously lacking in security or stability

Example Sentences

A1 Walking on a narrow bridge can be precarious for some people.

A2 The hiker found himself in a precarious situation when he got lost in the mountains.

B1 The company's financial situation is precarious due to the recent economic downturn.

B2 The political climate in the region is precarious, with tensions running high.

C1 The fragile ceasefire between the two warring factions is precarious and could collapse at any moment.

C2 The artist's reputation was in a precarious state after his controversial statements caused a public outcry.

Examples of precarious in a Sentence

formal The company's financial situation is quite precarious at the moment.

informal She's in a precarious position with her boss right now.

slang I wouldn't mess with that guy, he's in a really precarious situation.

figurative Their relationship was hanging by a precarious thread after the argument.

Grammatical Forms of precarious

past tense

precariously

plural

precarious

comparative

more precarious

superlative

most precarious

present tense

precariously

future tense

will be precarious

perfect tense

has been precarious

continuous tense

is being precarious

singular

precarious

positive degree

precarious

infinitive

to be precarious

gerund

precariously

participle

precariously

Origin and Evolution of precarious

First Known Use: 1646 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'precarious' originated from the Latin word 'precarius', meaning obtained by entreaty or prayer.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'precarious' has evolved to refer to something that is uncertain, unstable, or risky.