precarious

Definition

  • adjective: not safe, strong, or steady
  • adjective: depending on the will or pleasure of another
  • synonyms: unsettled, uncertain, unsteady

Examples

  • The government is in a 'precarious' position. [=a dangerous position that must be dealt with carefully]

  • The strong wind almost knocked him off of his 'precarious' perch on the edge of the cliff.

  • The vase was placed 'precariously' close to the edge of the table.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Take care now. The queen is with child but the situation is delicate. So your concern has just cause but keep your counsel for now. This pregnancy is precarious. If it is a boy, then the Boleyns will be untouchable. But if it is a girl or a stillborn... ...then they and everyone (..)
    2008 The Other Boleyn Girl
  • (..) He wasted his life. How many lives would you waste? What a beautiful child. So young. So alive, so unaware of how precarious life can be. I had a very sad childhood. I'll tell you about it sometime. I never knew my parents. It's amazing I'm sane. Our bonding would allow these children (..)
    1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
  • (..) until three months after birth, but the chances of the cub reaching adulthood are slim. The struggle of a giant panda mother to raise her cub is a touching symbol of the precariousness of life in the mountains. On the highest summits of our planet nothing can live permanently. (..)
    2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: Mountains Season: 1 Episode 2