is highly precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is 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 immediate action is needed to avoid bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The Economist

They share the belief that the war came to an abrupt end without a lasting resolution to the issues that led to the long years of fighting, and that Lebanon's "peace" is highly precarious.

The New Yorker

The situation for civilians remaining there is highly precarious, especially for the most vulnerable children living in institutions.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some of the women in the EG, who were immigrants with no stable social ties, did not show a more positive result; some cases were highly precarious.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

This belief in and of itself is a highly precarious position to hold, mainly due to the fact that it lets humans off the hook for their agency and choice.

Huffington Post

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

Huffington Post

For a country where a large share of the population is beyond the effective reach of the state and where the rule of law is anyway highly precarious, confrontation between core institutions of government is a risky business.

The Economist

The 420,000 gallons of crude oil floating on the water right now are highly flammable, so it would have been a precarious photo op across the board.

Huffington Post

And in a performance art where work can be precarious, it rolls out musicians who are highly employable.

The Guardian

The current standstill is, at best, highly precarious.

Forbes

This work was poorly paid and highly precarious.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is highly precarious" to describe situations where there is a significant risk of negative consequences or instability. Ensure that your audience understands the potential severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "is highly precarious" when the situation is merely uncertain or has minor risks. This phrase should be reserved for situations with genuinely high stakes or significant instability. Less dramatic phrases may be more accurate and credible in less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is highly precarious" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing a noun (situation, condition, state) as being in a risky or unstable condition. As seen in Ludwig examples, it often precedes an explanation or justification for the precariousness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is highly precarious" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe situations characterized by instability and risk. As noted by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of urgency and potential danger. While relatively uncommon, it is primarily found in news, business, and science contexts, highlighting its suitability for formal and professional communication. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the level of risk matches the intensity of the phrase to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "is extremely vulnerable" or "is acutely unstable" for nuanced expression. Ensure a compelling message is being delivered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is extremely vulnerable

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or danger, intensifying the sense of risk.

is acutely unstable

Highlights the lack of stability and the potential for sudden change.

is exceptionally risky

Focuses on the high probability of negative outcomes or failure.

is critically endangered

Suggests a severe threat to survival or existence.

is perilously uncertain

Emphasizes the unpredictability and potential dangers of the situation.

is severely threatened

Indicates an imminent danger or risk to something.

is exceedingly dicey

Uses a more informal term to describe a situation with a high degree of risk or uncertainty.

is gravely imperiled

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential for disaster.

is teetering on the brink

Suggests that something is very close to collapse or failure.

is hanging by a thread

Implies that something is barely maintained and could easily be lost.

FAQs

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

Use "is highly precarious" to describe situations that are unstable and risky. For example, "The political climate "is highly precarious" due to ongoing conflicts."

What are some alternatives to "is highly precarious"?

Alternatives include "is extremely vulnerable", "is acutely unstable", or "is exceptionally risky" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is highly precarious" in formal writing?

Yes, "is highly precarious" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often found in news articles, business reports, and academic papers. However, ensure the tone and level of formality align with the overall context.

What makes a situation "highly precarious"?

A situation is "highly precarious" when there is a high degree of uncertainty, instability, and potential for negative outcomes. This could involve financial risks, political instability, or threats to safety and security.