# precautionary

/pɹɪˈkɔʃənɛɹi/ (US) · /pɹɪkˈɔːʃənəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/precautionary
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing something you do to prevent a problem before it happens. You use this to talk about safety measures or careful planning.

For teachers: 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.

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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.