a precarious order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or system that is unstable or uncertain, often implying a risk of collapse or failure. Example: "The political climate has created a precarious order, where alliances shift rapidly and trust is in short supply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now "religionists" have enforced a precarious order.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such a precarious balance between order and randomness is extremely difficult to replicate within the context of a game.

Forbes

Rising income inequality, downward pressure on wages, increasingly contingent and part-time work opportunities, decimation of the planet, etc. are all an effect of a very precarious social order.

Huffington Post

The key supposition of the complexity perspective is that the world is constituted by flows of information/events, in which there is always a precarious balance between an emergent order and chaos, between stability and instability (Boisot & Child, 1999; Holland, 1995; Urry, 2005).

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Minimalism rests upon the premise that the judiciary occupies a precarious position in our constitutional order and holds that judges must tread carefully to avoid creating social discord.

Huffington Post

It is a precarious process of stabilising the relational order.

Triple Helix

Quebecois particularism flies because "the francophone majority is itself a precarious minority that needs protection in order to ensure its survival" (Bouchard, 2011, p. 441).

Comparative Migration Studies

An influential voice here is Bouchard (2011), who argues that it is necessary to develop a form of pluralism that acknowledges that the francophone majority is itself a precarious minority that needs protection in order to ensure its survival and development in North America and in a globalized World.

Comparative Migration Studies

The Warriors seem to be adopting a precarious policy of relying on the ineptitude of their rivals in order to survive.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a precarious existence.

The Economist

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a precarious order" when you want to emphasize the instability and potential for collapse within a system, rather than simply describing something as "unstable".

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious order" to describe situations where the instability is minor or easily managed. The phrase implies a significant risk of failure or disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious order" functions as a noun phrase, where "precarious" modifies the noun "order". It describes a specific state or arrangement that is unstable or uncertain. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precarious order" describes a state or situation characterized by instability and a high risk of collapse. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While not extremely common, its use conveys a specific sense of vulnerability, emphasizing the need for careful management and awareness of potential disruptions. When writing, consider related phrases like "a fragile state of affairs" or "an unstable situation" to refine your intended meaning. Be mindful not to overstate the level of threat when using this phrase; it implies a significant risk, not just minor instability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile state of affairs

Focuses on the delicacy and potential for collapse of a situation.

an unstable situation

Emphasizes the lack of stability and predictability.

a delicate balance

Highlights the need for careful management to avoid disruption.

a tenuous arrangement

Suggests a weak and easily broken agreement or understanding.

a shaky system

Implies fundamental flaws that undermine the reliability of the system.

a risky framework

Highlights the potential for negative consequences or failure.

a vulnerable structure

Focuses on the susceptibility to external threats or internal weaknesses.

a precarious equilibrium

Emphasizes the balance but its likeliness to fall apart.

an uncertain stability

Highlights the contradiction between apparent stability and underlying uncertainty.

a volatile setup

Suggests a tendency towards sudden and dramatic changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious order" to describe situations where stability is threatened, like "The treaty maintained "a precarious order" in the region" or "The company's financial situation created "a precarious order" within the organization".

What are some alternatives to "a precarious order"?

Alternatives include "a fragile state of affairs", "an unstable situation", or "a delicate balance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a precarious order" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a precarious order" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and appears in reputable news and academic sources.

What does "a precarious order" imply about a situation?

The phrase "a precarious order" suggests that a situation is not only unstable but also at risk of collapsing or being disrupted. It implies a vulnerability that requires careful attention.