Precarious

Precarious

Definition

When we say something is precarious, we’re describing a situation that is not stable, secure, or certain. It suggests that there’s a risk of danger, failure, or collapse. Imagine walking on a narrow, wobbly bridge high above a river; that’s a precarious situation because it’s risky and unstable.

The term precarious can be used in various contexts. For instance, a person’s job might be precarious if they’re in a position where they could easily lose it, or if their employment conditions are uncertain. Similarly, a building might be in a precarious state if it’s in danger of collapsing due to poor construction or external factors like an earthquake. In everyday life, we might describe a financial situation as precarious if someone is living paycheck to paycheck without any savings. It’s like being on unstable ground, where any unexpected expense could lead to a crisis.

Example sentences
The mountaineer found himself in a precarious position as he dangled from the cliff.
Walking on the icy sidewalk in high heels felt precarious with each step.
After the storm, the tree’s precarious lean made it a danger to the house below.
The fragile ceasefire between the two countries remained precarious, with tensions ready to erupt at any moment.
Balancing a stack of plates on one hand while walking across the slippery floor was a precarious feat.