precariously
Americanadverb
-
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.
Other Word Forms
- superprecariously adverb
- unprecariously adverb
Etymology
Origin of precariously
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Jaffee traced another of his popular cartoons to the day he was perched precariously on his roof trying to fix an antenna after a storm.
From Washington Post
Mr. Surendra said the process, which includes precariously maneuvering himself to clean the outside of the windows of his one-bedroom apartment, takes him about a week.
From New York Times
A mother eagle crouched in the snow-filled nest as it swayed precariously in the wind.
From Seattle Times
Since then, Venice has been protected from high-water events, but the parts of the city that flood at lower levels remain precariously exposed.
From New York Times
Initially, Cora, 8, was stoked to put on her Brownie vest and pull her red wagon, stacked precariously high with $6 boxes of treats, around our Santa Ana neighborhood.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
