What does precariousness mean?
Precariousness is the noun meaning the state of being precarious: unstable, uncertain, insecure, or dangerously exposed to failure or harm. It is used especially when describing situations whose future cannot be confidently predicted, such as a person's financial position, a political government, an organization’s survival, or the safety of a journey or structure. The word carries a somewhat formal and literary tone and emphasizes the tension between temporary security and the possibility of sudden collapse or disruption. It is related to the adjective precarious and the adverb precariously. In public discussion, precariousness is often used to describe broader social and economic conditions, including insecure employment, housing instability, and vulnerability to political or environmental change. The term is useful when the danger or uncertainty is more important than any single immediate event.
nounThe state of being precarious, especially when a situation or outcome is uncertain, unstable, or dangerous. It can also refer to dangerousness or the risk involved in a precarious situation.
- The quality or condition of being insecure, unstable, or exposed to danger.
- A situation of uncertainty, with outcomes that are difficult to predict or control.
"The precariousness of the mountain weather forced the climbers to abandon their ascent."
"The precariousness of the economy made even cautious investors nervous."
"She spoke about the precariousness of relying on a single supplier."
"No one could ignore the precariousness of the damaged bridge."
The plural is used when referring to multiple instances of insecurity or unstable situations, though the singular form is much more common.
"The memoir explores the different precarities faced by migrant workers."
Precariousness names the uneasy balance between things going well and everything suddenly going wrong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does precariousness come from?
Precariousness derives from the adjective precarious, which comes from Latin precarius, meaning unstable or unsafe. The English word entered use in the sixteenth century, initially in contexts involving danger or insecurity. Precarious and its relatives such as precatory, deprecate, and deprecation ultimately belong to a Latin family associated with asking, praying, or entreating, reflecting the historical development of their meanings through religious and legal language.
Related word forms
How precariousness is actually used
Generally formal and somewhat literary. It often conveys not only physical danger but also broader insecurity, such as political, economic, or personal instability.
Easily confused with precariousness
Precaution is a measure taken to prevent harm, whereas precariousness is the condition of being exposed to danger or uncertainty.