Precarious
mediumNegative toneprih-KAIR-ee-us
adjective
Definition
dangerously insecure or unstable; uncertain
Memory hook
PRECARIOUS sounds like 'pray-carious': a position so shaky you can only PRAY it holds. Picture a vase teetering on the very edge of a shelf.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The climbers found a precarious foothold on the crumbling ledge.”
“After the layoffs, the company's finances looked increasingly precarious.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The climbers found a ______ foothold on the crumbling ledge.”
Show answer
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
Master precarious and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.