Definitions

precarious

[pri-kair-ee-uhs] / prɪˈkɛər i əs /

ADJECTIVE

tricky, doubtful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dangerous delicate dicey hazardous insecure perilous problematic risky rocky shaky slippery ticklish touchy uncertain unhealthy unreliable unsettled unstable unsteady

WEAK

ambiguous borderline chancy contingent dubious dynamite equivocal hairy hanging by a thread iffy impugnable indecisive loaded on thin ice open out on a limb rugged sensitive touch and go unsafe unsure

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain definite guarded happy healthy protected reliable safe secure settled stable steady strong sure

WEAK

firm undoubted

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He acknowledged that Spirit’s business was in a precarious position after several years of the bigger airlines squeezing the company with their own “basic economy” options.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Fiscal watchdogs have warned that the spending trends will leave California in a precarious position if the stock market tanks and tax receipts bottom out.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

With no clear route to safety, she and her colleague flattened their bodies on the ground before following other terrified visitors making the precarious climb down.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

But things may be more precarious than normal right now.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

Below them, Petra held tight to a low- lying branch with a precarious crack in it.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Vocabulary lists containing precarious

Grade 11, List 3

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A Doll's House

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John F. Kennedy's Address to the American People on the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

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