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

Example Sentences

These are not cautionary tales about individual failure.

From BBC

But there’s a reason that “I did my own research” has become a cautionary internet meme.

From The Wall Street Journal

Combining with Unilever’s food division would remake McCormick into a global powerhouse, but the recent history of Big Food mergers hits a cautionary note.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Luckin Coffee scandal remains a cautionary tale for many international investors after the Chinese company admitted fabricating sales.

From BBC

The strategic logic is clear, but Big Food’s history of mega-mergers is a cautionary tale.

From The Wall Street Journal