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Definition of precariousness - 3 dictionary results

pre⋅car⋅i⋅ous

  [pri-kair-ee-uhs]
Use precariousness in a Sentence
–adjective
1. dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood.
2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.
3. exposed to or involving danger; dangerous; perilous; risky: the precarious life of an underseas diver.
4. having insufficient, little, or no foundation: a precarious assumption.
Origin:
1640–50; < L precārius obtained by entreaty or mere favor, hence uncertain. See prayer 1

Related forms:
pre⋅car⋅i⋅ous⋅ly, adverb
pre⋅car⋅i⋅ous⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. unsure, unsteady. See uncertain. 2. doubtful, dubious, unreliable, undependable. 3. hazardous. 4. groundless, baseless, unfounded.

Antonyms:
1. secure. 2. reliable. 3. safe. 4. well-founded.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To precariousness
pre·car·i·ous   (prĭ-kâr'ē-əs)   
adj.  

  1. Dangerously lacking in security or stability: a precarious posture; precarious footing on the ladder.

  2. Subject to chance or unknown conditions: "His kingdom was still precarious; the Danes far from subdued" (Christopher Brooke).

  3. Based on uncertain, unwarranted, or unproved premises: a precarious solution to a difficult problem.

  4. Archaic Dependent on the will or favor of another.


[From Latin precārius, obtained by entreaty, uncertain, from precārī, to entreat; see pray.]
pre·car'i·ous·ly adv., pre·car'i·ous·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: pre·car·i·ous
Pronunciation: pri-'kar-E-&s
Function: adjective
: depending on the will or pleasure of another precarious office> —see also precarious possession at POSSESSION
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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