Synonyms for precariousness


Grammar : Noun
Spell : pri-kair-ee-uhs
Phonetic Transcription : prɪˈkɛər i əs

Top 10 synonyms for precariousness Other synonyms for the word precariousness

Définition of precariousness

Origin :
  • 1640s, a legal word, "held through the favor of another," from Latin precarius "obtained by asking or praying," from prex (genitive precis) "entreaty, prayer" (see pray). Notion of "dependent on the will of another" led to extended sense "risky, dangerous, uncertain" (1680s). "No word is more unskillfully used than this with its derivatives. It is used for uncertain in all its senses; but it only means uncertain, as dependent on others ..." [Johnson]. Related: Precariously; precariousness.
  • noun instability
Example sentences :
  • A flash of lightning revealed the precariousness of the situation.
  • Extract from : « Prairie Flowers » by James B. Hendryx
  • If I needed anything to perfect the precariousness of my steering, it was just that.
  • Extract from : « What Is Man? And Other Stories » by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
  • He was supremely conscious of the precariousness of his situation.
  • Extract from : « When God Laughs and Other Stories » by Jack London
  • Consider for a moment the precariousness of the life of an insect!
  • Extract from : « Jungle Folk » by Douglas Dewar
  • He felt, with a sense of great weakness, the precariousness of his job.
  • Extract from : « Turns about Town » by Robert Cortes Holliday
  • The new ruler was aware of the precariousness of his position.
  • Extract from : « An Illustrated History of Ireland from AD 400 to 1800 » by Mary Frances Cusack
  • The chief defects of Lindley are self-sterility, precariousness in bearing and lack of adaptation to many soils.
  • Extract from : « Manual of American Grape-Growing » by U. P. Hedrick
  • Such an error as this shows the precariousness of historical testimony, even where it seems to be best grounded.
  • Extract from : « View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 (of 3) » by Henry Hallam
  • As much perhaps from the precariousness of their situation as from a reckless daring, they could not brook the least delay.
  • Extract from : « The Felon's Track » by Michael Doheny
  • Successive Land Acts lift them more and more into a position of security from one of precariousness.
  • Extract from : « Peeps at Many Lands: Ireland » by Katharine Tynan

Antonyms for precariousness

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019