a precarious predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable or risky, often implying that it could lead to negative consequences. Example: "After losing his job and facing mounting debts, he found himself in a precarious predicament that required immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Following major storms, homeowners recognizing their precarious predicament built so-called erosion protection structures to protect their property," it said.

The New York Times

The ever more precarious predicament, the determination to guard against unemployment and loss of social status, and the aspiration towards better conditions, all explain the quest for social improvement through higher education, at the same time as the declining appeal of vocational training in favour of more academic studies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Welcome to Hollywood, where a talented black actress like Zoe Saldana gets put into a precarious and career-damaging predicament all because a white casting director, white director, and white writer were completely clueless and dismissive of the nuances of colorism in the black community, an issue that Simone herself railed against. .

Huffington Post

Now, buying out Microsoft, NBC heads firmly into the internet news business: arguably, a more precarious existential predicament even than television news.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two months ago, Coach Jeff Van Gundy of the Knicks said that his predicament involving the swingman Glen Rice was a precarious one.

The New York Times - Sports

That predicament has in turn left companies who do business in the country in a precarious position.

TechCrunch

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

It is a precarious existence.

The Economist

It is a precarious path.

Harvard University

You had a precarious childhood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fame is a precarious thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precarious predicament" when you want to emphasize both the instability and the potential negative consequences of a situation. It's stronger than simply saying it's "risky" or "difficult".

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious predicament" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It's a relatively formal phrase and can sound out of place if the situation isn't genuinely serious or unstable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious predicament" functions as a noun phrase, where "precarious" modifies the noun "predicament". It describes a specific state or condition characterized by instability and potential danger. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Encyclopedias

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precarious predicament" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation marked by both instability and potential danger. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its suitable use for emphasizing risk and urgency. While grammatically sound, its formality makes it best suited for news reports, professional writing, and formal contexts. Alternatives like "a risky situation" or "an unstable condition" can be used for similar meanings. Despite its correct grammatical standing, the frequency of the phrase is low and should be used carefully and thoughtfully in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A risky situation

Focuses directly on the element of risk involved.

An unstable condition

Emphasizes the lack of stability in the situation.

A vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

A dangerous dilemma

Adds the element of a difficult choice or problem.

A critical juncture

Indicates a turning point with potentially serious outcomes.

A delicate balance

Stresses the need for careful handling to avoid negative repercussions.

A tight spot

Offers a more informal way to describe a difficult situation.

A tricky situation

Highlights the complexity and potential for problems.

A tenuous state

Focuses on the fragility and lack of security in the situation.

A hazardous affair

Emphasizes the potential for danger or harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious predicament" to describe situations like: "The company's financial situation left it in "a precarious predicament"" or "The climber found himself in "a precarious predicament" as night fell".

What phrases are similar to "a precarious predicament"?

Alternatives include "a risky situation", "an unstable condition", or "a vulnerable position". Choose the one that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a precarious predicament" formal or informal?

"A precarious predicament" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's more suitable for professional writing, news reports, or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.

What makes a situation "a precarious predicament"?

A situation is considered "a precarious predicament" when it's both unstable and carries a significant risk of negative outcomes. It implies that the situation could easily worsen if not handled carefully.