perilously

[per-uh-luhs-lee]

adverb

1. in a way or to a degree that is full of grave risk or peril; dangerously.

   That lighthouse has always been perilously close to the ever-eroding cliffs.

Other Word Forms

• nonperilously adverb
• unperilously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilously¹

perilous ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In recent years, the seven states have adopted a series of incremental water-saving plans to try to prevent the reservoirs from reaching perilously low levels.

From Los Angeles Times

Without him, the Trojans will enter the season perilously thin on the interior.

From Los Angeles Times

An extreme drought worsened by climate change had sent reservoirs dropping to perilously low levels, prompting severe water restrictions.

From Los Angeles Times

We have problems, naturally, not the least of which is the massive wealth inequality that distorts our economy, our culture and our politics so much that we are now perilously close to full-on oligarchy.

From Salon

Bleeding from injuries and with a dislocated shoulder, the hiker used poles to cling to an almost vertical cliff, dangling perilously over a beach of gravel, rocks and boulders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alarmingly www.thesaurus.com
• critically 
• desperately 
• precariously 
• recklessly 
• seriously 
• severely