cautionary
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˈkɔʃəˌnɛɹi// UK //kˈɔːʃənəɹi// cau·tion·ary
adj. describing a warning that tells you to be careful or to avoid a mistake. You use this to describe a story or a piece of advice that is meant to teach you a lesson.
adj. serving as a warning or a lesson to be careful. Often used to describe a narrative or statement intended to prevent future errors.
The story has a cautionary ending.
The report provides a cautionary tale about the risks of ignoring early signs of financial instability.
The author's cautionary tone suggests that while the initial success of the project was impressive, the long-term consequences were far more complex than the public realized.