Word
precarious
Phoneticspre·car·i·ous, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈkɛɹiəs/
UK/pɹɪkˈeəɹɪəs/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The ladder felt very precarious as I climbed higher.”
contextual
“Many freelance workers live in a precarious financial situation because their income changes every month.”
complex
“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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “precarious” in context.
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain', 'feel', or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“With the city’s resources overstretched, most migrants were living in precarious conditions on Trampolin beach or the city’s outskirts while awaiting a chance to journey on to continental Europe.” “The London mayor described the planet as being in a “deeply precarious position”.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/precarious