cautionary

American  

[kaw-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈkɔ ʃəˌnɛr i /

adjective

1. of the nature of or containing a warning.

   cautionary advice; a cautionary tale.

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cautionary British  

/ ˈkɔːʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. serving as a warning; intended to warn

   a cautionary tale

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Etymology

Origin of cautionary

First recorded in 1590–1600; caution + -ary

Explanation

When something is cautionary, it’s meant to be a warning to you. Your parents might be fond of telling cautionary tales, like the one about the girl who got electrocuted sticking a knife into the toaster. While driving, look for cautionary signs warning you of potential danger: falling rocks, kids crossing, hidden driveway. You might use cautionary words: “Watch your step! There’s glass all over the floor!” Don’t confuse cautionary with cautious, which means trying to avoid danger. Tell a cautionary tale about someone drowning because he swam too far out into the ocean and an overly cautious kid might decide never to swim again.

Example Sentences

There are clues in the film that suggest that at its core, Backrooms is a story about the tech industry — and a cautionary one, too.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

"I hope I'll be a cautionary tale to someone who's in my position to make better choices."

From BBC • May 27, 2026

This is not an ad for life insurance, but rather a cautionary tale.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

“It’s a classic cautionary tale about this sort of ballot-box legislation,” said Michael Manville, a professor of urban planning at the University of California, Los Angeles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

“Don’t become the next cautionary tale,” Ms. Ramos had said, giving a strong warning to us rising ninth-graders in the room.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad