precariousness

IPA/prɪˈkeəriəsnəs/
IPA/prɪˈkeriəsnəs/

precariousness — noun

1. a situation in which something is not steady or certain, and may become worse or

1.名詞C1
釋義

a situation in which something is not steady or certain, and may become worse or stop existing

例句

The precariousness of Omar's job meant he was always looking for new work.

collocation: precariousness of + job/situation

Hui was worried about the precariousness of her family's finances during the recession.

同義詞
  • instability

    focuses on lack of steadiness; broader than precariousness

  • uncertainty

    emphasises doubt about the future rather than danger of failure

  • insecurity

    more personal, often used for jobs or emotional states

反義詞
  • stability

    the state of being steady and unlikely to change

  • security

    the state of being safe and certain to continue

文法句型

the precariousness of + [situation/job/peace/health]

用法筆記

This sense is typically used with abstract nouns describing situations, arrangements, or conditions (employment, health, peace, finances). The uncountable noun form requires 'the' before it in most contexts.

常見錯誤

❌There is a precariousness in the market.
✅There is a sense of precariousness in the market.
💡The noun is uncountable and does not take 'a'.
❌I felt precariousness about my exam.
✅The precariousness of my exam results worried me.
💡Use 'the precariousness of' to specify what is unstable or uncertain.

2. a condition in which someone or something is positioned unsafely, with a risk of

2.名詞C1
釋義

a condition in which someone or something is positioned unsafely, with a risk of falling, slipping, or collapsing

例句

Amelia did not realise the precariousness of the stack of boxes until one fell.

collocation: precariousness of + physical object

The precariousness of the old wooden ladder made Tanvi afraid to climb it.

同義詞
  • instability

    can describe physical unsteadiness but less specific about danger

  • danger

    broader; refers to any source of harm, not just position

  • peril

    formal and more dramatic; implies immediate serious danger

反義詞
  • stability

    firmness and steadiness of position

  • safety

    protection from danger or harm

文法句型

the precariousness of + [physical object/position]

用法筆記

This sense is used with concrete physical objects, positions, or structures (ladders, stacks, scaffolding, rocks, ledges). It describes a literal lack of secure positioning rather than an abstract situation.

常見錯誤

❌He fell because of the precariousness of his life.
✅He fell because of the precariousness of the ladder.
💡This sense is for physical position, not abstract life situations.