# cautious

/ˈkɔʃəs/ (US) · /kˈɔːʃəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cautious
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. You act this way when you want to be safe and not take unnecessary risks.

For teachers: characterised by the avoidance of potential risks or dangers; showing forethought and care. Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun.

## Examples

- He is very cautious when driving in the rain.
- The investors remained cautious despite the positive news, waiting for more data before committing their capital.
- A cautious approach to the new policy may prevent the administrative errors that plagued the previous rollout, though it risks slowing down the necessary reforms.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is cautious for the dog" but "He is cautious of the dog" — When expressing wariness of a specific thing, use 'of' or 'about' rather than 'for'.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'about' or 'of' when referring to a specific concern.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.