Precarious Definition

prĭ-kârē-əs
adjective
Dangerously lacking in security or stability.
A precarious posture; precarious footing on the ladder.
American Heritage
Dependent upon chance; risky.
A precarious foothold.
Webster's New World
Dependent upon circumstances; uncertain; insecure.
A precarious living.
Webster's New World
Dependent upon the will or favor of another person.
Webster's New World
Dependent upon mere assumption; unwarranted.
A precarious assertion.
Webster's New World

Origin of Precarious

  • From Latin precārius (“begged for, obtained by entreaty"), from prex, precis (“prayer"). Compare French précaire and Spanish, Portuguese and Italian precario.

    From Wiktionary

  • From Latin precārius obtained by entreaty, uncertain from precārī to entreat pray

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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