precarious

adjective pre·car·i·ous \ pri-ˈker-ē-əs \

Updated on: 8 Apr 2018

Definition of precarious

1 : depending on the will or pleasure of another

2 : dependent on uncertain premises : dubious

precarious generalizations

3 a : dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments

b : characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger

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precariously

adverb

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precariousness

noun

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Examples of precarious in a Sentence

These states are corrupt and brutal. They are theocracies, or precarious autocracies, or secular totalitarian states: tyrannies all, deniers of freedom, republics of fear, enemies of civility and human flourishing. —Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review, 15 Oct. 2001
Such folks led a precarious existence, their homes routinely destroyed in pursuit of a scorched earth policy whenever Florence came under siege. —R. W. B. Lewis, Dante, 2001
She was the first baby he had ever held; he had thought it would be a precarious experience, shot through with fear of dropping something so precious and fragile, but no, in even the smallest infant there was an adhesive force, a something that actively fit your arms and hands, banishing the fear. —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
He earned a precarious livelihood by gambling.
The strong wind almost knocked him off of his precarious perch on the edge of the cliff.

Recent Examples of precarious from the Web

But a story in Politico suggests a more precarious situation.

— dino grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: Trump administration again targets California's environmental rules," 3 Apr. 2018
Given their precarious situations, both could benefit from the emotional boost their rivalry usually provides.

— helene elliott, latimes.com, "Ducks know they can wipe away a season of frustration with a strong finish and a playoff berth," 30 Mar. 2018
When Venezuela fell into crisis, an already precarious situation was exacerbated.

— peter prengaman, The Christian Science Monitor, "Brazil works to accommodate indigenous migrants from Venezuela," 27 Mar. 2018
This is becoming a very precarious situation for everybody.

— Fox News, "Hannity: The 'deep state' should be very worried," 20 Mar. 2018
Liverpool are one of a number of clubs who are reportedly monitoring Draxler's precarious situation, with Jurgen Klopp a reported fan and millions still in the bank from Philippe Coutinho's January sale to Barcelona.

— SI.com, "PSG Set Asking Price for Out of Favour Midfielder Ahead Of Potential Summer Move to Liverpool," 20 Mar. 2018
The precarious situation of LGBTQ refugees, it should be noted, is not isolated to Germany.

— NBC News, "Berlin's LGBTQ refugee center a haven for those fleeing civil war, homophobia," 9 Mar. 2018
Mostly because the defense refused to accept defeat, no matter how precarious the situation.

— steven ruiz, For The Win, "The 10 best moments from the Seahawks' Legion of Boom era," 8 Mar. 2018
But Smith and Dunn also understand the precarious situation employees can put their employer in.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Cuban, Mavericks 'on the legal hot seat' over sexual harassment claims | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'precarious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

This little happiness is so very precarious, that it wholly depends on the will of others. Joseph Addison, in a 1711 issue of Spectator magazine, couldn't have described the oldest sense of precarious more precisely-the original meaning of the word was "depending on the will or pleasure of another." Prayers and entreaties directed at that "other" might or might not help, but what precariousness really hangs on, in the end, is prex, the Latin word for prayer. From prex came the Latin word precarius, meaning "obtained by entreaty," from whence came our own adjective precarious. Anglo-French priere, also from precarius, gave us prayer.

Origin and Etymology of precarious

Latin precarius obtained by entreaty, uncertain — more at prayer

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

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Synonym Discussion of precarious

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury. dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.