Precarious

Precarious describes a situation or state of being that is uncertain, unstable, and potentially dangerous. It implies a lack of security or firm foundation, making the outcome or continued existence of something dependent on chance or circumstance. A precarious situation often involves a risk of failure, harm, or loss, requiring careful management or attention to avoid adverse consequences. The term can apply to physical circumstances, emotional states, financial situations, or social conditions.

Precarious meaning with examples

• The climber held onto the precarious ledge, his life hanging in the balance as he attempted to scale the sheer cliff face in unpredictable weather conditions.
• His emotional state was precarious after the loss of his job and the breakdown of his marriage, leaving him feeling vulnerable and isolated.
• The company's financial situation remained precarious, with falling sales and mounting debt threatening its very survival in the short term.
• The peace treaty created a precarious balance of power, with any slight misstep likely to trigger a renewed outbreak of hostilities between the warring factions.
• Living a precarious lifestyle, the artist relied on unpredictable freelance income to cover the basics of life such as food and rent for his small studio.