Word
precautionary
Phoneticspre·cau·tion·ary
US/pɹɪˈkɔʃənɛɹi/
UK/pɹɪkˈɔːʃənəɹi/
Definition
adj. describing something you do to prevent a problem before it happens. You use this to talk about safety measures or careful planning.
adj. intended to prevent a problem or danger from occurring. Often used to describe measures taken in advance of a potential risk.
Examples
“The company took several precautionary steps to protect the data.”
“Health officials issued a precautionary warning to the public after the water supply was contaminated.”
“The architect recommended several precautionary measures to ensure the building could withstand the extreme weather conditions expected in the region over the next decade.”
Examples
simple
“The company took several precautionary steps to protect the data.”
contextual
“Health officials issued a precautionary warning to the public after the water supply was contaminated.”
complex
“The architect recommended several precautionary measures to ensure the building could withstand the extreme weather conditions expected in the region over the next decade.”
Real-World Examples
“Over the weekend, the blaze crept closer to the German border, prompting the precautionary evacuation of parts of the town of Monschau .” “Asked for comment on each of the recent wildfire incidents, the Israeli military said its operations were “conducted while taking precautionary measures to mitigate harm to civilians and the environment”.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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