Precarious for Dummies
adjective
pronunciation: prɪ'kɜriəsWhat does Precarious really mean?
Precarious is a word that describes something that is not stable, secure, or predictable. It's like when you're trying to balance on a narrow beam while juggling fragile cups. It's a very difficult and uncertain situation because at any moment you might lose your balance and everything can come crashing down. That's how precarious feels - like you are constantly on the edge and any little change or mistake can lead to a negative outcome.
When we say something is precarious, it means it is at risk of falling apart, breaking, or failing. Imagine building a tower with blocks, but the blocks are teetering and wobbling - you never know when they might topple over. In the same way, a situation can be precarious when it is not stable or secure. It's like walking on a thin tightrope high up in the air without a safety net. You're constantly afraid of falling because your footing is so unsure.
This word doesn't just apply to physical situations; it can also describe abstract things like relationships, economies, or even emotions. For example, if someone's job is in jeopardy and they might lose it at any moment, their job is precarious. Or if you are trying to balance your time between studying, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities, the situation is precarious because it's difficult to make everything fit without something suffering.
In a more general sense, precarious can also describe something that is uncertain or risky. It's like when you're standing on the edge of a diving board, contemplating whether to jump into the water below. You're not sure if the water is deep enough or if there are any hidden obstacles. So, you're in a precarious position because you haven't made up your mind yet and don't want to make a wrong decision.
So, "precarious" is all about things being unstable, uncertain, and risky. It's like living on the edge, always unsure of what might happen next. Whether it's a physical thing, a situation, or an emotion, precarious means there's a higher chance of negative outcomes because it lacks stability, predictability, and security.
When we say something is precarious, it means it is at risk of falling apart, breaking, or failing. Imagine building a tower with blocks, but the blocks are teetering and wobbling - you never know when they might topple over. In the same way, a situation can be precarious when it is not stable or secure. It's like walking on a thin tightrope high up in the air without a safety net. You're constantly afraid of falling because your footing is so unsure.
This word doesn't just apply to physical situations; it can also describe abstract things like relationships, economies, or even emotions. For example, if someone's job is in jeopardy and they might lose it at any moment, their job is precarious. Or if you are trying to balance your time between studying, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities, the situation is precarious because it's difficult to make everything fit without something suffering.
In a more general sense, precarious can also describe something that is uncertain or risky. It's like when you're standing on the edge of a diving board, contemplating whether to jump into the water below. You're not sure if the water is deep enough or if there are any hidden obstacles. So, you're in a precarious position because you haven't made up your mind yet and don't want to make a wrong decision.
So, "precarious" is all about things being unstable, uncertain, and risky. It's like living on the edge, always unsure of what might happen next. Whether it's a physical thing, a situation, or an emotion, precarious means there's a higher chance of negative outcomes because it lacks stability, predictability, and security.
Revised and Fact checked by Megan Brown on 2023-10-28 16:05:35
Precarious In a sentece
Learn how to use Precarious inside a sentece
- Walking on a narrow and wobbly bridge is a precarious situation because there is a high risk of falling.
- Leaving a fragile vase precariously balanced on the edge of a table could easily result in it falling and breaking.
- Hanging a heavy object from a weak and unstable hook is a precarious setup as it could give way at any moment.
- Attempting to climb up a slippery and steep hill without proper gear is a precarious undertaking as it may lead to accidents.
- Walking on a thin sheet of ice is a precarious activity since it can easily crack and pose a danger of falling into cold water.
Precarious Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Precarious Similar Words
Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.