precautionary principle

British  

noun

1. the precept that an action should not be taken if the consequences are uncertain and potentially dangerous

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

precautionary principle

Even if we can’t be sure something is conscious, we might err on the side of caution by assuming it is – what philosopher Jonathan Birch calls the precautionary principle for sentience.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2026

“I would take the precautionary principle and say, ‘OK, until we know what's going on, let's put a standstill on this,’” he says.

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 1, 2024

Though it’s not definitive that the more you color your hair, the greater your breast cancer risk, “a good precautionary principle is to lower your frequency of use,” White said.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 27, 2024

The 27 schools, which the organising authority decided to close "in strict compliance with the precautionary principle", are being inspected by the police with further information expected throughout the day.

From Reuters ● Nov. 27, 2023

It shall be based on the precautionary principle and on the principles that preventative action should be taken, that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source and that the polluter should pay.

From The Treaty of the European Union, Maastricht Treaty, 7th February, 1992 by European Union