precariously

[ pri-kair-ee-uhs-lee ]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Words From

• su·per·pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb
• un·pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of precariously¹

precarious ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

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.

From Fortune

Unlike Sun Country, YRC was in a precarious spot long before the pandemic hit.

From 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.

From Digiday

You’re seeing increasing amounts of precarious employment, increased contract work, and a decreased full-time labor market.

From Nautilus

Living month to month is precarious, and that’s just as true for businesses as it is for people.

From Ozy

But there are many more people balancing precariously on the verge of indigence.

From The Daily Beast

On the right side of the fall line, but precariously close to the precipice.

From The Daily Beast

Those women who are not alone are often only precariously coupled.

From The Daily Beast

Spain is reeling precariously, Greece is prepping for another make-or-break election—and Germany is still insisting on austerity.

From The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast later witnessed the dramatic rescue of a third survivor precariously lifted from the wreckage Sunday morning.

From The Daily Beast

Overhanging the pass was a huge boulder, balanced precariously on the edge of the jutting cliff.

From Project Gutenberg

She was living precariously on translation, which could be done, she maintained, when you hadn't any head at all.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

On the wet top rail, precariously perching, the figure slipped and sprawled forward in the miry yard.

From Project Gutenberg

The hatch had slid to the deck's edge and was held precariously by the doubtful strength of the straining rail.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alarmingly
• critically
• desperately
• perilously
• recklessly
• seriously
• severely