Precarious
mediumprih-KAIR-ee-us
adjective
Definition
dangerously insecure or unstable; uncertain
Examples
“The climbers found a precarious foothold on the crumbling ledge.”
“After the layoffs, the company's finances looked increasingly precarious.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Precarious is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "unstable" or "insecure" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "secure".
Related GRE Words
volatile
Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
indeterminate
Not exactly known, established, or defined; vague
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional; hesitant or uncertain
turbulent
Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm
baleful
Threatening harm; menacing; having a harmful or destructive effect
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