as in instability
the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position
she quickly moved the china teapot after noticing its precariousness on the shelf
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of precariousness
The episode underscores the precariousness of elite status in Putin’s Russia—and the unpredictable consequences for those who lose the president’s trust.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Housing costs, especially for renters, have pushed Florida families into financial precariousness more than any other household expense, said United Way of Florida CEO Melissa Nelson.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025
That these are happening at a moment of precariousness for the industry writ large makes the stakes that much higher.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
What keeps these series from coming off as crass is the genuine camaraderie that connects their characters and shelters them, to some extent, from the precariousness of their lives.
—Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Housing costs, especially for renters, have pushed Florida families into financial precariousness more than any other household expense, said United Way of Florida CEO Melissa Nelson.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025
That these are happening at a moment of precariousness for the industry writ large makes the stakes that much higher.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
What keeps these series from coming off as crass is the genuine camaraderie that connects their characters and shelters them, to some extent, from the precariousness of their lives.
—Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precariousness
instability
Noun
-
Permafrost - or ground that is frozen year-round - underpins many of these villages and is thawing, leading to rapid erosion and instability.—
NPR,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Alas, Israel has not pulled the trigger there, either, likely due in part to geopolitical instability — the MDSC would require construction in the West Bank.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precariousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precariousness. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share