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
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Recent Examples of precariousness
Shifting comments from the Republican president and his top aides are adding to the precariousness of the 12-day-old conflict, which is impacting nearly every corner of the Middle East and causing economic tremors around the globe.
—
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
William Grimes wrote before that moment, introducing a distinctly American voice shaped by the horrors of enslavement in the South and the precariousness of freedom in the North.
—
Regina E. Mason,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
The exhibition reflects on precariousness and interconnectedness in today’s world.
—
Photovogue,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Aside from the frustration that Matheson felt about the earlier diagnosis, the surgeon’s words served as a reminder about the precariousness of professional football.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
William Grimes wrote before that moment, introducing a distinctly American voice shaped by the horrors of enslavement in the South and the precariousness of freedom in the North.
—
Regina E. Mason,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
The exhibition reflects on precariousness and interconnectedness in today’s world.
—
Photovogue,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Aside from the frustration that Matheson felt about the earlier diagnosis, the surgeon’s words served as a reminder about the precariousness of professional football.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precariousness
instability
Noun
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The Civil War breaking out just a century later showcases why white supremacy and the subjugation of Black people and people of color have meant a certain level of instability for many American citizens since the very beginning.
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The catchphrase made famous by Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign springs to mind when considering the instability that seems to have become a feature of Britain’s political life.
Cite this Entry
“Precariousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precariousness. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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