precarity
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the notion of a woman with a prenup and wealthy lineages heading into real financial precarity was dubious.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026
This is a life-changing amount of money that would dramatically improve the American people’s lives by alleviating the stress and anxiety, poor health and even premature death that comes from financial precarity.
From Salon ● Jun. 20, 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 repercussions of the shifting landscape in these cities worsened for the local population during the Covid-19 pandemic, “highlighting the housing precarity faced by vulnerable social groups,” the report said.
From Barron's ● Dec. 23, 2025
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