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- DictionaryPre·car·i·ous/prəˈkerēəs/
adjective
- 1. not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse: "a precarious ladder"
Define precarious. precarious synonyms, precarious pronunciation, precarious translation, English dictionary definition of precarious. adj. 1. Dangerously lacking in security or stability: a precarious posture; precarious footing on the ladder. 2. Subject to chance or unknown conditions:...
Apr 9, 2024 · precarious ( comparative more precarious, superlative most precarious) ( comparable) Dangerously insecure or unstable; perilous . Synonyms: unsteady, rickety, shaky, tottering, unsafe, unstable, wobbly. ( law) Depending on the intention of another.
The Latin word precarius means ‘given as a favour’, or ‘depending on the favour of another person’; and the earliest meaning of the English word precarious relates to the idea of being given something—the right to occupy land, or to hold a particular position—‘at the pleasure of’ another person, who might simply choose to take ...
1 (of a situation) not safe or certain; dangerous He earned a precarious living as an artist. The museum is in a financially precarious position. The world is a precarious and unstable place.
Precarious definition, dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; insecure: a precarious livelihood. See more.
Meaning & use. 1. 1626–. Esp. of a right, tenancy, etc.: held or enjoyed by the favour of and at the pleasure of another person; vulnerable to the will or decision of others. Also figurative. Now rare or merged in other senses, except in technical use with reference to tenancies. 1626.
Word Origin. Check pronunciation: precarity. Definition of precarity noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
