Definition of Precarious:
Precarious (adjective): Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse; dependent on chance; uncertain.
Synonyms: unstable, risky, insecure, perilous
Antonyms: secure, stable, safe, certain
Memory Tip: Think of “precarious” as standing on the edge of a cliff, where one wrong move could send you tumbling down.
Conversation and Short Story Examples
Here is how “precarious” can be used in a casual conversation:
- Sam: That ladder looks really unstable. Are you sure it’s safe?
Alex: It’s a bit precarious, but I’ll be careful.
Let’s see how “precarious” can be used in a narrative context:
- The old bridge swayed in the wind, its wooden planks creaking under the weight of each step. It was a precarious journey, with the drop below seeming more ominous with every gust of wind. Sarah hesitated for a moment, feeling the structure shift beneath her. She knew that one wrong move could send her plummeting into the canyon below, but there was no turning back now. The path ahead was precarious, yet she steeled herself and continued forward, trusting that her caution would see her safely across.
Everyday Conversations
Here are examples of how to use “precarious” in a sentence during everyday conversations. Each sentence using “precarious” shows how it might naturally come up in casual dialogue:
- The situation at work is becoming increasingly precarious; I’m worried about my job security.
- She placed the vase on the edge of the table, but it looked precarious, as if it could fall at any moment.
- After the storm, the house was left in a precarious condition, with parts of the roof barely holding on.
Business and Professional Settings
Here are sentences using “precarious” in a professional setting. These examples of “precarious” in a sentence demonstrate how it can be applied in business and work environments:
- The company’s finances were in a precarious state after the loss of several major clients.
- His position in the company became precarious after the new management took over.
Educational and Academic Examples
These sentences show how “precarious” can be used in academic settings. Each sentence with “precarious” emphasizes its relevance in educational and scholarly contexts:
- The research team found themselves in a precarious situation when their funding was suddenly cut.
- The precarious nature of the experiment required the utmost caution from everyone involved.
Social and Cultural Contexts
Here are examples of “precarious” in a sentence within social and cultural contexts. Each sentence for “precarious” highlights its application in discussions about society and culture:
- The political climate has become increasingly precarious, with tensions rising on all sides.
- Many artists live in precarious conditions, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their passion.
Part of Speech
Explore how “precarious” is used in different parts of speech:
- Adjective: The climbers found themselves in a precarious position on the cliffside.
- Adverb (Precariously): The book was balanced precariously on the edge of the shelf, ready to fall at any moment.
Tenses
Examples of “precarious” used in different tenses:
- Past Tense: The economy was precarious during the recession, leaving many uncertain about their future.
- Present Tense: The situation is precarious right now, and we need to tread carefully.
- Future Tense: If we don’t act now, the project will become precarious and could fail.
Moods
How “precarious” is used in different moods:
- Imperative Mood: Be careful! The situation is precarious, and we can’t afford any mistakes.
- Interrogative Mood: How can we stabilize such a precarious arrangement?
- Exclamatory Mood: What a precarious position to be in!
Voices
How “precarious” is used in different voices:
- Active Voice: She found herself in a precarious situation when the car broke down in the middle of nowhere.
- Passive Voice: The precarious nature of the agreement was recognized by all parties involved.
Literary Devices
How “precarious” can be used in various literary devices:
- Metaphor: His situation was a house of cards, precarious and ready to collapse at any moment.
- Simile: The balance of power was as precarious as a tightrope walker’s step.
- Personification: Precarity lurked in the shadows, waiting to tip the scales against them.
- Alliteration: The precarious position proved to be problematic for the project’s progress.
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