# dicey

/ˈdaɪsi/ (US) · /dˈaɪsi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dicey
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

risky or uncertain, so you are not sure it will work or stay safe.

For teachers: risky, uncertain, or likely to fail or cause trouble. Often describes situations, plans, or conditions with an unpredictable outcome.

## Examples

- Driving on that icy road feels really dicey.
- The stairs to the basement look dicey after the flood, so we use a flashlight.
- Negotiating the final contract felt dicey, with both sides threatening to walk away over minor clauses.

## Usage notes

- The adjective is often used predicatively after 'feel', 'look', 'seem', or 'sound'; also used before nouns like 'situation' or 'decision'.

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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.