precarity

[pri-kair-i-tee]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of precarity¹

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

Example Sentences

Such precarity, Sweet says, keeps us working.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Precarity was part of life—after each project, he would drive his van to another town, another contract—and so was sacrificing family time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

American Jews have often endured persecution and precarity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Democrats are not without blame for this, given that they helped to advance the neoliberal gangster capitalist economic regime of globalization, outsourcing, the financialization of everyday life and society, and a state of permanent economic precarity for the average American — specifically those who do not belong to the moneyed classes.

Read more on Salon

“It Was Just an Accident” has revealed more to me in thinking about it, especially about the precarity of everyday manners.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When To Use

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.