precariously
Americanadverb
-
in an unstable, uncertain, or insecure way.
The two archrivals sit precariously balanced at the top of the league, either one likely to fall in the standings at any time.
-
in a way that is dependent on the will of others.
They live precariously, subject to arrest by immigration authorities, and with taxes withheld from paychecks that they cannot reclaim.
-
in a way that is risky or dangerous; perilously.
He steadies the canoe as his son stands precariously in the bow, aiming his spear toward the river.
Other Word Forms
- superprecariously adverb
- unprecariously adverb
Etymology
Origin of precariously
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The key is leveraging 2D materials that can be strained to the point where they lie precariously between two different crystal phases and can be nudged in either direction with relatively little power.
From Science Daily
Large residential apartment blocks tilt precariously to one side or have just folded in on themselves.
From Reuters
That’s right, a shiny black block to proudly display and precariously cradle the headset plopped into a tenuous connector area for the left cup while charging with an LED indicator.
From Washington Times
Kinda precariously, I thought, as I watched her maneuver with her cameras.
From Seattle Times
For 50 years, the international community has carefully and precariously balanced two different ways of keeping time.
From New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
