parlous

[pahr-luhs] / ˈpɑr ləs /

ADJECTIVE

dangerous

Synonyms

WEAK

adventurous alarming bad breakneck chancy critical dangersome deadly delicate dynamite exposed fatal formidable hairy hazardous heavy hot impending impregnable insecure jeopardous loaded malignant menacing mortal nasty on collision course perilous portentous precarious pressing queasy risky serious serpentine shaky speculative terrible thorny threatening ticklish touch-and-go touchy treacherous ugly unhealthy unsafe unstable urgent venturesome venturous viperous vulnerable wicked

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.

A total electricity breakdown on Monday underscored the parlous state of the economy.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

This isn’t the first time that someone has tried to use AI as a shortcut, with parlous consequences.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

You can make a good argument that this news is bearish for bonds, because it surely raises further questions about parlous finances of the U.S. government.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

Evaluating the parlous flaccidity of our schools, James Traub thinks we’re in big trouble—but he also finds reason for hope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Mr. Leo, literally and metaphorically with his back to the wall, realized that his reputation was about to be put to the touch; also that he was, all things considered, in a somewhat parlous situation.

From A Poached Peerage by Magnay, William

Vocabulary lists containing parlous

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I

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