Definition of precarious

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< precancerous

precast >

pre·car·i·ous

(pr

-kâr

s) KEY

ADJECTIVE:

Dangerously lacking in security or stability: a precarious posture; precarious footing on the ladder.
Subject to chance or unknown conditions: "His kingdom was still precarious; the Danes far from subdued" (Christopher Brooke).
Based on uncertain, unwarranted, or unproved premises: a precarious solution to a difficult problem.
Archaic Dependent on the will or favor of another.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin precrius, obtained by entreaty, uncertain, from precr, to entreat ; see pray

OTHER FORMS:
pre·cari·ous·ly(Adverb), pre·cari·ous·ness(Noun)

Thesaurus: synonyms for precarious

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