a precarious balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable or uncertain, where maintaining equilibrium is difficult. Example: "The negotiations reached a point of a precarious balance, with both sides hesitant to make the next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

They have to maintain a precarious balance.

The Economist

The best dictionaries maintain a precarious balance.

The New York Times - Books

The alert system has always rested on a precarious balance.

The New York Times

But for now, the season seems hung in a precarious balance.

The New York Times

The thrill of the play is its realization of Pinter's aesthetic: a precarious balance between ambiguity and actuality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Three pieces of data over the past week suggest that economic growth has bottomed out at the 4-5% range and that a precarious balance-of-payments position is improving sharply.

The Economist

But what they actually describe is a precarious balancing act.

The New York Times - Arts

BELGRADE, Serbia — For Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Tuesday was a precarious balancing act.

The New York Times

This is a precarious balancing act, and it's a testament to Zellweger's abilities that Bridget was so appealing fifteen years ago.

The New Yorker

From the film-maker's point of view, it's a precarious balancing act, between visceral, tactile nostalgia and sprawling self-indulgence.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precarious balance" to add nuance to your writing, suggesting not just instability but an active effort to maintain equilibrium.

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious balance" when the situation is simply difficult but not truly on the verge of collapse. The phrase implies a significant risk of failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious balance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a state of equilibrium that is unstable and requires careful maintenance. Ludwig AI provides examples that illustrate how this phrase is used to depict situations ranging from political relations to personal life.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a precarious balance" effectively describes an unstable state requiring careful maintenance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While similar phrases like "a delicate equilibrium" exist, "a precarious balance" uniquely emphasizes the inherent risk of collapse. When using this phrase, ensure your context warrants this implication of potential failure. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate equilibrium

Replaces "precarious" with "delicate" and "balance" with "equilibrium", emphasizing fragility and poise.

a fragile state

Focuses on the vulnerability and easily broken nature of the current situation.

an unstable situation

Focuses on the lack of stability inherent in the situation, omitting the balancing aspect.

a vulnerable position

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or damage inherent in the situation.

a tightrope walk

Uses a metaphor to describe the need for careful maneuvering in a risky situation.

a shaky agreement

Describes an agreement that is likely to fall apart.

a risky compromise

Highlights the element of risk involved in maintaining a compromise.

an easily disrupted arrangement

Highlights how easily the current setup can be disturbed or broken.

a sensitive dependency

Emphasizes the reliance on multiple factors and the risk of disruption if one is affected.

a thinly veiled tension

Highlights the underlying stress and potential for conflict beneath a calm surface.

FAQs

How can I use "a precarious balance" in a sentence?

You can use "a precarious balance" to describe situations where stability is difficult to maintain and easily disrupted, such as "The company maintained "a precarious balance" between innovation and cost control".

What are some alternatives to "a precarious balance"?

Alternatives include "a delicate equilibrium", "an unstable situation", or "a risky compromise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a precarious balance" or "a delicate balance"?

"A precarious balance" and "a delicate balance" are similar, but "precarious" emphasizes the risk of collapse, while "delicate" highlights the fragility of the balance. Choose the word that best reflects the degree of risk involved.

What does it mean when something is described as "a precarious balance"?

It means that the situation is unstable and requires careful management to prevent it from collapsing or failing. It implies that the factors involved are sensitive and easily disrupted.