Definition

Adverb: 1. In a dangerously unstable or insecure manner: Describes a state or action that is not firmly fixed, is likely to fall, fail, or change for the worse. 2. In a manner dependent on uncertain conditions or chance: Describes something that is contingent on factors that are not reliable or guaranteed.

Usage Examples

• The ancient vase was balanced precariously on the edge of the shelf.
• After the earthquake, the building leaned precariously over the street.
• His financial situation depends precariously on the success of a single client.
• The future of the species hangs precariously in the balance.

Advanced Usage

• "Precariously perched": A common collocation emphasizing a dangerous or unstable position.
  • The eagle's nest was precariously perched on a narrow cliff ledge.
• "Precariously close to": Used to indicate being dangerously near a negative threshold or limit.
  • The company is precariously close to bankruptcy.

Variants and Related Words

• Precarious (Adjective): The base form.
  • a precarious ladder; a precarious peace agreement
• Precariousness (Noun): The state or quality of being precarious.
  • the precariousness of life in a conflict zone

Synonyms

• Insecurely: In a manner not safe or protected.
• Unsteadily: In a manner not firm or balanced.
• Perilously: In a manner involving serious danger.
• Uncertainly: In a manner not able to be relied upon.

Antonyms

• Securely: In a fixed, firm, or safe manner.
• Stably: In a manner not likely to give way or overturn.
• Surely: In a manner without doubt; certainly.

Adverb

1. in a precarious manner
   • being a precariously dominant minority is a difficult position for human nature to cope with