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.

The plan appeared precarious early Thursday, amid ongoing disagreement over whether the ceasefire included Lebanon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Just how long they’ll have to hang is still unclear, particularly because the cease-fire is already in a precarious spot.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

"Everyone has a right to a safe, warm, affordable secure home. That isn't the case for so many people. It is so precarious, especially for younger people."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The situation is so precarious that Prime Minister Koo Yun Cheol has suggested that, for the first time in 35 years, driving restrictions may be imposed on the public to restrict energy consumption.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Resting on the forest floor, surrounded by her main food source, and munching contentedly, she is completely unaware of the precarious situation she is in—that her whole species is in.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

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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