English Reference
Adjective

precautionary

adj.
C1 Advanced US /pɹɪˈkɔʃənɛɹi/ UK /pɹɪkˈɔːʃənəɹi/ pre·cau·tion·ary

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.


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.

Over the weekend, the blaze crept closer to the German border, prompting the precautionary evacuation of parts of the town of Monschau .

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

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”.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated