precarious

What does “precarious” mean?

adjective.not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

SAT Usage

precarious is often used in contexts related to risk, instability, or uncertainty, such as discussions of economic situations, physical structures, or personal circumstances. It emphasizes a sense of danger or vulnerability that is more acute than simply being unstable, contrasting with terms like "unstable," which may not carry the same immediate threat of collapse or failure.

Common Confusions

Precarious implies a dangerous lack of stability that suggests imminent risk, while unstable usually suggests a general lack of steadiness without the same immediate threat of collapse.

Example Sentences

• He balanced in a precarious position on the narrow ledge.

• They clung to a precarious ledge.

Word Parts: How to Remember “precarious”

Break “precarious” into its parts: pre- (before). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: pre- before (Latin)