— precariously , adv. — precariousness , n.
/pri kair"ee euhs/ , adj.
1. dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood.
2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.
3. exposed to or involving danger; dangerous; perilous; risky: the precarious life of an underseas diver.
4. having insufficient, little, or no foundation: a precarious assumption.
[ 1640-50; precarius obtained by entreaty or mere favor, hence uncertain. See PRAYER 1 ]
Syn. 1. unsure, unsteady. See uncertain. 2. doubtful, dubious, unreliable, undependable. 3. hazardous. 4. groundless, baseless, unfounded.
Ant. 1. secure. 2. reliable. 3. safe. 4. well-founded.