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.

Oil prices were on track for another weekly gain as the global energy situation becomes more and more precarious.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

The fearful unknowns that trespass, that make the days precarious and some nights miles long, also seed the imagination, creativity and art.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 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

The actor is acutely aware of the precarious nature of his profession though.

From BBC • May 1, 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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