highly perilous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly perilous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is extremely dangerous or risky. Example: "The expedition into the uncharted territory was deemed highly perilous due to the unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It was a highly perilous situation," said Bahadir Kaleagasi, the international coordinator in Brussels of Tusiad, the Turkish Industry and Business Association.

The New York Times

This material is highly perilous to environment.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Furthermore, because overcrowding contributes to a highly perilous prison environment where inmates are constantly forced to co-exist, some in prison may join gangs for protection; however, being part of a gang can actually tarnish an inmate's prison record, and ultimately make gang-affiliated inmates' sentences longer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Gini-coefficient < 0.3, indicates in perfect equity condition; 0.3-0.4, indicates inormalal condition; >0.4, indicates in alert condition, >0.6, indicates in highly inequity perilous condition [20].

Health Economics Review

The assumption was that they were armed and highly dangerous; the operation perilous.

The Guardian

The three men, the magazine declared, had steered America through the perilous shoals of highly volatile world markets.

The New York Times - Books

A lawyer acting for the hospital said that having had his immune system effectively removed, AA was "in a perilous state and highly vulnerable".

Independent

That cooling strategy, while essential to prevent full meltdowns, has released harmful amounts of radioactive steam into the atmosphere and set off leaks of highly contaminated water, making it perilous for some of the hundreds of workers at the plant to further critical repair work.

The New York Times

However, the Gini coefficient, a well-known measure to account for inequalities in the economical field, had four levels for its value: below 0.3 was the best state of average, between 0.3 and 0.4 normal, beyond 0.4 warning, and reaching 0.6 or more perilous state of the highly unfair [ 30].

Human Resources for Health

Their 9-2 loss yesterday and events during it puts them in a perilous position that makes it highly unlikely that they will win a decisive Game 5 in New York tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone seems agreed that writing about sex is perilous, partly because it threatens to swamp highly individualised characters in a generic, featureless activity (much like coffee-cup dialogue, during which everyone sounds the same), and partly because it feels... tacky.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "highly perilous", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific dangers involved to maximize the impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "highly perilous" in casual conversation or informal writing; it's generally more appropriate for formal reports, news articles, or academic papers. Simpler phrases like "very dangerous" or "extremely risky" are often better suited for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly perilous" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of significant danger or risk, modifying a noun to emphasize the severity of the potential harm or negative consequences.

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 "highly perilous" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase in written English. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing situations characterized by extreme danger or risk. While not exceedingly common, it finds its niche in formal contexts such as news reports and scientific publications. Alternative phrases like "extremely dangerous" or "very risky" may be suitable substitutes depending on the desired tone. When using "highly perilous", it's beneficial to ensure that the specific risks are clearly defined to enhance its impact. Despite its relative formality, it remains a versatile tool for emphasizing the gravity of hazardous scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely dangerous

Replaces "perilous" with "dangerous" and "highly" with "extremely", offering a slightly more common alternative.

very risky

Substitutes both adjectives with simpler terms, making it less formal.

gravely hazardous

Uses "gravely" and "hazardous" to amplify the sense of danger in a more solemn tone.

acutely precarious

Emphasizes the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

critically unsafe

Focuses on the lack of safety involved, underlining the potential for harm.

intensely threatening

Highlights the feeling of menace and potential harm associated with the situation.

exceptionally treacherous

Suggests the presence of hidden dangers and potential for betrayal or deceit.

terribly insecure

Shifts the focus to a lack of security and stability, indicating vulnerability.

exceedingly vulnerable

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage.

seriously jeopardizing

Emphasizes the potential for significant loss or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "highly perilous" in a sentence?

You can use "highly perilous" to describe situations or environments that are extremely dangerous or risky. For example, "The journey through the jungle was "highly perilous" due to the presence of wild animals and treacherous terrain."

What are some alternatives to "highly perilous"?

Alternatives to "highly perilous" include "extremely dangerous", "very risky", and "gravely hazardous", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "highly perilous" a formal or informal expression?

"Highly perilous" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for academic writing, news reports, or professional communication. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What makes a situation "highly perilous"?

A situation is "highly perilous" when it involves a high degree of risk, danger, and potential for harm. Factors that can contribute to a situation being "highly perilous" include unpredictable conditions, treacherous environments, and the presence of significant threats.