# precariously

**Pronunciation:** /prɪˈkeərioʊəsli/ · pri-KAIR-ee-uhs-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is not safe or stable, and therefore likely to fall, fail, or cause harm.

## Examples

- The climber clung precariously to the edge of the cliff.
- His financial situation was precarious, with many debts.
- The vase was balanced precariously on the edge of the table.

## Synonyms

- dangerously — Emphasizes the risk of harm or danger.
- unsteadily — Focuses on the lack of stability or balance.
- insecurely — Highlights the lack of security or firmness.
- hazily — Suggests a state of uncertainty or vagueness, often related to future outcomes.

## Antonyms

- safely — Opposite of being in danger.
- securely — Implies a firm and stable position.
- steadily — Indicates a lack of wavering or instability.

## Common patterns

- precariously balanced — Describing something in an unstable position, likely to fall. — The tower was precariously balanced, threatening to collapse.
- precariously close — Very near to a dangerous or undesirable situation. — The company was precariously close to bankruptcy.
- precariously perched — Located in a high or unstable position. — The eagle's nest was precariously perched on the cliff's edge.

## Collocations

- cling precariously — She clung precariously to the slippery rock face.
- balance precariously — The stack of books was balanced precariously on the wobbly table.
- sit precariously — He sat precariously on the edge of the chair, ready to leave.
- hang precariously — The old sign hung precariously from a single chain.

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