Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely steep: Describes a slope, cliff, or drop that is very steep, almost vertical, and dangerous to climb.
   • Done with very great haste and without due deliberation: Describes an action that is done too quickly, without careful thought, and is therefore rash or reckless.

Examples of Usage

• Extremely steep:
  • The climbers avoided the precipitous face of the mountain.
  • The road has a precipitous descent into the valley.
• Done with great haste:
  • The company's precipitous decision to launch the product led to many problems.
  • He later regretted his precipitous resignation.

Advanced Usage

• "precipitous decline/drop/fall": A very steep and rapid decrease.
  • The stock market experienced a precipitous drop after the news.
• "precipitous action": An action taken with excessive speed and insufficient consideration.
  • The government was criticized for its precipitous action without consulting experts.

Variants and Related Words

• Precipice (n): A very steep rock face or cliff.
  • They stood at the edge of the precipice.
• Precipitate (adj, v): As an adjective, it is a close synonym for the "hasty" meaning. As a verb, it means to cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
  • His remarks precipitated a crisis. (verb)
  • It would be precipitate to judge now. (adjective)

Synonyms

• Steep: Having a sharp incline (for the first meaning).
• Sheer: Very steep; perpendicular (for the first meaning).
• Hasty: Done with excessive speed or urgency (for the second meaning).
• Rash: Acting without careful consideration (for the second meaning).

Antonyms

• Gradual: Taking place or progressing slowly (opposite of the steep meaning in terms of slope or decline).
• Deliberate: Done consciously and intentionally, with careful thought (opposite of the hasty meaning).

Related Phrases

• "on a precipitous slope": Literally on a very steep incline, or figuratively in a rapidly deteriorating situation.
  • The economy is on a precipitous slope.

Adjective

1. extremely steep
   • an abrupt canyon
   • the precipitous rapids of the upper river
   • the precipitous hills of Chinese paintings
   • a sharp drop
2. done with very great haste and without due deliberation
   • hasty marriage seldom proveth well- Shakespeare
   • hasty makeshifts take the place of planning- Arthur Geddes
   • rejected what was regarded as an overhasty plan for reconversion
   • wondered whether they had been rather precipitate in deposing the king