Precarious Meaning in English

word

US

pɹiˈkɛɹiəs

pri-KAIR-ee-uhs

UK

pɹɪkˈeəɹɪəs

pri-KAIR-ee-uhs

Definition

Something that is precarious is not safe, stable, or secure, and could easily fall, fail, or change for the worse.

Usage & Nuances

Precarious is formal/neutral and often describes physical situations (like a ladder), finances, jobs, or safety that could easily become dangerous or lost. Common collocations: 'precarious situation', 'precarious position', 'precarious balance'. Not usually used for emotional states.

• Spanish: precario - inestable
• Portuguese (BR): precário - instável
• Portuguese (PT): precário - instável
• Chinese (Simplified): 危险的 - 不稳定的
• Chinese (Traditional): 危險的 - 不穩定的
• Hindi: खतरनाक - अस्थिर
• Arabic: غير مستقر - محفوف بالمخاطر
• Bengali: অস্থির - ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ - অনিরাপদ
• Russian: ненадёжный - опасный - шаткий
• Japanese: 不安定な - 危うい
• Vietnamese: bấp bênh - nguy hiểm - không ổn định
• Korean: 불안정한 - 위태로운
• Turkish: tehlikeli - güvensiz - sallantılı
• Urdu: غیرمحفوظ - ناپائیدار - غیر یقینی
• Indonesian: tidak stabil - genting - rawan

Example Sentences

The ladder is in a precarious position.

basic

He has a precarious job with no contract.

basic

Their financial situation is precarious.

basic

She balanced the tray in a truly precarious way.

natural

After the storm, the bridge looked precarious.

natural

We're in a precarious position here, so let's be careful.

natural