precariously

[ pri-kair-ee-uhs-lee ]

/ prɪˈkɛər i əs li /

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See synonyms for precariously on Thesaurus.com

adverb

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.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of precariously

precarious + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM precariously

su·per·pre·car·i·ous·ly, adverbun·pre·car·i·ous·ly, adverb

Words nearby precariously

precancer, precancerous, precapillary, precariat, precarious, precariously, precarity, precartilage, precast, precatory, precaution

How to use precariously in a sentence

In a statement posted on its website Wednesday, health agency Anvisa said it initially got “precarious data” on a “grave” event, which led it to suspend the study late Monday.
A leading Chinese COVID vaccine resumes trials after brief pause|Claire Zillman, reporter|November 12, 2020|Fortune
Unlike Sun Country, YRC was in a precarious spot long before the pandemic hit.
Treasury emergency aid loan goes to airline backed by Amazon and Apollo, showing government’s long reach|Yeganeh Torbati|November 10, 2020|Washington Post
Proud as employees were of how the group adapted to the pandemic, they understood the precarious position Great Big Story’s business was likely in.
‘Two very, very different companies’: Why CNN’s Great Big Story failed to survive|Tim Peterson|November 2, 2020|Digiday
You’re seeing increasing amounts of precarious employment, increased contract work, and a decreased full-time labor market.
How to Stop Feeling Crushed for Time - Issue 92: Frontiers|Brian Gallagher|October 28, 2020|Nautilus

Living month to month is precarious, and that’s just as true for businesses as it is for people.
How to Succeed in Small Business|Daniel Malloy|October 23, 2020|Ozy
But there are many more people balancing precariously on the verge of indigence.
A Dickensian Christmas For Greece’s New Poor|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
On the right side of the fall line, but precariously close to the precipice.
Two Chickens, an Old Guitar, and a Group of Strangers: A Life-Changing Feast in Brazil|Annabel Langbein|November 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Those women who are not alone are often only precariously coupled.
Was Helen Gurley Brown A Feminist?|David Frum|August 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Spain is reeling precariously, Greece is prepping for another make-or-break election—and Germany is still insisting on austerity.
Germany Must Pay Europe’s Tab If It Wants to Keep the Union Together|Louise Armitstead|June 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The Daily Beast later witnessed the dramatic rescue of a third survivor precariously lifted from the wreckage Sunday morning.
Cruise Ship Sinking: Couple Rescued From Costa Concordia|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Overhanging the pass was a huge boulder, balanced precariously on the edge of the jutting cliff.
The Adventure Girls at K Bar O|Clair Blank
She was living precariously on translation, which could be done, she maintained, when you hadn't any head at all.
The Creators|May Sinclair
By far the largest piece of granite had been the last to drop, and he saw that it was poised precariously on some smaller lumps.
The Terms of Surrender|Louis Tracy
On the wet top rail, precariously perching, the figure slipped and sprawled forward in the miry yard.
The Escape of Mr. Trimm|Irvin S. Cobb
The hatch had slid to the deck's edge and was held precariously by the doubtful strength of the straining rail.
Tom Slade with the Colors|Percy K. Fitzhugh