precarious

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective affording no ease or reassurance
  2. adjective fraught with danger
  3. adjective not secure; beset with difficulties

Etymology

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

In classic literature

Synonyms

unstable

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