precarious
adj.adj. not safe, strong, or steady. You use this to describe a situation where things could easily go wrong or fall apart.
adj. characterised by a lack of stability or security; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. Often used to describe financial, physical, or social states that depend on uncertain circumstances.
The ladder felt very precarious as I climbed higher.
Many freelance workers live in a precarious financial situation because their income changes every month.
The peace treaty remains precarious, as both sides continue to disagree on the exact location of the new border and the distribution of water rights.
From Latin precārius (“begged for, obtained by entreaty”), from prex, precis (“prayer”). Compare French précaire, Portuguese precário, and Spanish and Italian precario.
From pre- + carious.
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain', 'feel', or 'become'.