precarity

American  

[pri-kair-i-tee] / prɪˈkɛər ɪ ti /

noun

1. a state of existence in which material provision and psychological wellness are adversely affected by a lack of regular or secure income.

   The precarity that defines this socially vulnerable demographic cannot be ignored.

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Usage

What is precarity? Precarity is a state of existence in which someone’s mental health or financial security is out of their control because they don’t have a regular income. A person who cannot find regular work will have a hard time paying their bills. Equally, this could affect their mental health, causing anxiety, worry, anger, and other negative emotions. Someone in this situation is in a precarious, or uncertain, position. They are experiencing precarity. Precarity can also be used to describe businesses and financial markets. For example, if you want to invest in a public company, but the company’s market is somewhat stagnant, your investment might be described as precarious and the market as filled with precarity. Example: In my neighborhood, a lot of people experience precarity and are often looking for work.

Etymology

Origin of precarity

First recorded in 1955–60; precar(ious) ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

These stories are well told—Mr. Scheiber is a fine writer—and the precarity of these young workers’ lives is vividly evoked.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

But by the same token, sources have told BBC Sport that work towards a contingency plan in the event they make a decision they really don't want to make illustrates the precarity of Frank's position.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

More often, though, Tallent demonstrates his characters’ precarity rather than declaiming about it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

The risk is that, under conditions of precarity, people often stop negotiating for better futures at all, and the cost is in not just wages but in careers that never really get started.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026

Announced in June of 2021, the deal came after healthcare products shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the precarity and weakness of the healthcare supply chain.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025