cautious

[kaw-shuhs]

adjective

1. showing, using, or characterized by alertness and prudence in a hazardous or uncertain situation; careful or wary.

   Be cautious about clicking on links, as they can often introduce harmful viruses to your computer.

   He offered a measured and cautious interpretation of the study’s results.

   Synonyms: vigilant, watchful, circumspect, chary, wary, guarded, prudent

cautious

/ ˈkɔːʃəs /

adjective

1. showing or having caution; wary; prudent

Other Word Forms

• cautiously adverb
• cautiousness noun
• hypercautious adjective
• hypercautiousness noun
• supercautious adjective
• ultracautious adjective
• ultracautiousness noun
• uncautious adjective
• uncautiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cautious¹

First recorded in 1630–40; cauti(on) + -ous

Synonym Study

See careful.

Example Sentences

Investors should be extra cautious when thinking about being contrarians and buying losers at the end of any calendar year.

Read more on Barron's

But as the museum began its own review, the tone grew more cautious.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Many investment companies that sell stocks and shares Isas back such a move, while banks and building societies who dominate the cash Isa market are more cautious.

Read more on BBC

Zelensky was more cautious in his statement, saying Monday that the U.S. and Ukraine had “managed to keep extremely sensitive points on the table.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The company recently raised its annual forecast for the third time this year, even as other sneaker brands contend with inflation, tariffs and more cautious consumer sentiment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• circumspect 
• discreet 
• judicious 
• leery 
• prudent 
• tentative 
• vigilant 
• wary 
• watchful 

When To Use

What does cautious mean?

Cautious describes using, showing, or characterized by caution, which means a wariness in a dangerous situation, as in Vikram was a cautious man who never jumped straight into things. Cautious is often used to describe the behavior of a person who is concerned about impending danger or possible misfortune. If you are cautious, you are showing care or hesitation before taking an action.Cautious is also used in warnings, as in You should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. The adverb form of cautious is cautiously, as in Shontel cautiously approached the rickety bridge. The noun form of cautious is cautiousness, as in They reacted with cautiousness to the suspicious man’s generosity. Example: It is a good idea to be cautious when signing contracts and consider your options first.