highly precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly precarious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is very unstable or risky. Example: "The company's financial situation is highly precarious, and any further losses could lead to bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It is emblematic of a kind of student activism that sees increasingly little difference between students and highly precarious workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, as I argue in my print column this week, the actual situation in the wider region is highly precarious.

The Economist

As a result, the dominant business model for many retailers – flexible production, low prices and fast deliveries – translates into highly precarious working conditions, particularly in low-cost countries.

The Guardian

Last July, in The New Yorker, Elizabeth Kolbert wrote about the highly precarious situation faced by Africa's rapidly dwindling population of wild elephants.

The New Yorker

Mustafa, one of four survivors of a crew that originally numbered six hundred, spins an exciting tale of wild hopes, divided loyalties, and highly precarious fortunes.

The New Yorker

She warned that the situation between the two Koreas is "highly precarious" and tried to persuade China to rein in the North.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

No, the real story is that Palin was discussing a complex, precarious, highly dangerous issue as if she were an expert, even though she clearly isn't.

Huffington Post

Schwitters, a highly talented conventional artist, made a precarious living painting portraits and landscapes after fleeing from the Nazis, first to Norway, then to Britain.

The Guardian - Arts

"In this precarious state, it is highly vulnerable to my talking".

Huffington Post

Our highly centralized food economy is a dangerously precarious system, vulnerable to accidental — and deliberate — contamination.

The New York Times - Magazine

The experience of the global crises and the national debt crises and austerity measures has shown that managers and highly qualified workers can also easily slide to precarious jobs which interrupt their individualization process in employment.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly precarious", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk. Provide specific details to emphasize the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "highly precarious" when a situation is only moderately risky. Use more nuanced language to accurately reflect the level of danger or instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly precarious" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state or condition. Ludwig examples show it describing situations, economies, and even abstract concepts like peace.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly precarious" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation or condition characterized by significant risk, instability, or uncertainty. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings, its more sophisticated tone makes it more common in formal writing. The phrase effectively communicates the potential for negative outcomes and the vulnerability of a given subject, and is considered a valuable tool for precise language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely risky

Emphasizes the high level of danger and potential negative consequences.

very unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability and the likelihood of change or collapse.

critically endangered

Specifically describes something at immediate risk of extinction or failure.

perilously insecure

Highlights both the danger and the lack of security.

exceedingly vulnerable

Stresses the susceptibility to harm or damage.

gravely threatened

Indicates a serious and imminent threat.

hanging by a thread

Suggests a fragile state where failure is imminent.

on the brink

Implies being close to a dangerous or undesirable situation.

fraught with danger

Focuses on the presence of numerous risks and hazards.

in a delicate situation

Indicates a need for careful handling to avoid negative outcomes.

FAQs

What does "highly precarious" mean?

The term "highly precarious" describes a situation or condition that is very unstable, uncertain, or risky. It suggests that the situation is vulnerable and could easily become worse.

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

You can use "highly precarious" to describe various situations. For example: "The company's financial situation is "highly precarious", and any further losses could lead to bankruptcy."

What are some alternatives to "highly precarious"?

Alternatives include "extremely risky", "very unstable", or "critically endangered", depending on the context.

Is "highly precarious" formal or informal?

"Highly precarious" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in formal writing or speech due to its descriptive and somewhat sophisticated tone.