Precarious: meaning, example and synonyms

Precariousadj. Dangerously unstable or insecure; likely to fall or fail.

Example

The species' hold on the island is precarious: fewer than two hundred birds remain, and a single storm could destroy most of their nests.

Part of speech: adjective
Synonyms: unstable, insecure, perilous, shaky
Antonyms: secure, stable, safe, steady
Memory tip: Latin precarius = obtained by prayer: you'd pray it holds.

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Check yourself: Precarious in context

Pick the word that best completes each text.

Question 1

Perched on a narrow ledge above the river, the old monastery sits in a position so ______ that engineers worry a strong earthquake could send it sliding into the gorge.

Question 2

With savings of only a few weeks' wages and no health insurance, many seasonal workers find their finances ______, since one illness or broken-down car can push them into debt.

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