Synonyms for

Precarious

Verb / pri:ˈkeri:ʌs / Another word for precarious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

uncertain, unstable, or dangerous

Synonyms & similar words

unstable shaky perilous touchandgo parlous uncertain unstable unsafe insecure risky shaky dangerous perilous hazardous treacherous tricky delicate precaritive iffy dubious questionable unsettled unpredictable fraught touch-and-go

Synonyms by register

Formal

insecure unstable uncertain dubious hazardous

Informal

shaky risky dicey iffy touch-and-go

Literary

perilous treacherous chancy

Antonyms

stable secure safe certain firm steady assured

Common collocations

  • precarious position
  • precarious situation
  • precarious balance
  • precarious footing
  • precarious existence
  • precarious health
  • precarious employment

Word family

noun precariousness
adjective precarious
adverb precariously

Usage note

Often used to describe situations, positions, or balances that are unstable and likely to change or fail. Can also refer to something that is not securely held or fixed.

Example sentences

  1. The tall stack of books on the wobbly table looked precarious.
  2. The bridge over the rushing river was a precarious crossing.
  3. The tightrope walker balanced on the precarious wire.
  4. The baby bird perched on the precarious branch.
  5. The fragile vase on the edge of the table looked precarious.

Quotes

  • 'I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.' - Louisa May Alcott
  • 'Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.' - Denis Waitley
  • 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.' - Steve Jobs

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words