precarious

precarious — adjective

1. not steady or reliable, with a real risk of becoming worse or suddenly ending

1.形容詞C1
釋義

not steady or reliable, with a real risk of becoming worse or suddenly ending

例句

After two weak sales months, the cafe was in a precarious position.

in a precarious position

Mina stayed quiet because her visa status felt precarious.

precarious status

同義詞
  • uncertain

    stresses that the result or future is not known

  • insecure

    focuses on a lack of safety or protection

  • risky

    emphasizes danger in taking an action, not only weak stability

  • shaky

    more informal and often used for plans, finances, or support

反義詞
  • secure

    safe from sudden loss or collapse

  • stable

    firm and likely to continue without serious change

  • certain

    stresses that the outcome or future is clear

文法句型

a precarious situation

a precarious position

a precarious future

become precarious

用法筆記

Common with situation, position, future, balance, job, and status. Distinguish from adjective/2, which usually describes something physically unsafe or badly supported.

常見錯誤

❌The exam was precarious, so I studied all night.
✅My position in the class felt precarious, so I studied all night.
💡This sense describes an insecure situation or standing, not the test paper itself.

2. not firmly supported or balanced, so it could tip, drop, or put someone in dange

2.形容詞C1
釋義

not firmly supported or balanced, so it could tip, drop, or put someone in danger

例句

The old ladder felt precarious on the wet kitchen floor.

feel precarious + place

A precarious pile of boxes leaned beside the shop door.

precarious + pile of objects

同義詞
  • unstable

    broad everyday word for not staying firm or steady

  • shaky

    more informal and often suggests visible movement

  • wobbly

    more vivid and often used for small objects that move from side to side

  • unsafe

    broader; may describe danger without the idea of weak support

反義詞
  • stable

    firm and not likely to move or fall

  • secure

    fixed safely in place

文法句型

a precarious ladder

a precarious bridge

a precarious pile

feel precarious

用法筆記

Common with nouns for ladders, bridges, piles, shelves, and other things that may tip or fall. Distinguish from adjective/1, which is usually about jobs, plans, or situations rather than physical support.

常見錯誤

❌The storm was precarious.
✅The old roof was precarious in the storm.
💡This sense describes something unstable or badly supported, not a dangerous event in general.