less precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less precarious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is more stable or secure than another. Example: "The new job offers a less precarious financial situation compared to my previous freelance work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Musically, things are less precarious.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Snyder is in a slightly less precarious position in Michigan.

The New York Times

Now, our health is less precarious, and alcohol is our universal panacea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At least one of the world's financial trouble spots looks less precarious.

The New York Times

Access to health care is less precarious than it used to be.

The New Yorker

But there's less precarious entertainment, too, including pipe bands, Scottish singers and a Highland dancing demonstration.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

They often have segmented labour markets in which employees of key industries enjoy well-paid and consumerist lifestyles while a lower stratum of workers staffs less well-paid, more precarious, and less attractive positions within the urban economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

David O. Russell put a human face on the Iraqi citizens while showing Americans in a precarious and less than heroic light, qualities that many Americans at this time don't want to recognize.

The New York Times

This suggests that the work found by SIVP participants is more precarious and less well remunerated than that of non-participants.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

No future, precarious jobs, less stable conditions than their parents and grandparents and now the housing crisis hitting them.

Vice

This is the vehicle in which we travel for a time through life - not perfect, perhaps - perhaps in some ways rickety and peculiar - perhaps even, at times, precarious and less than perfectly comfortable - but ours together.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that has improved from a risky state, use "less precarious" to highlight the reduction in instability. For example, "After the policy change, the company's financial situation became less precarious."

Common error

Avoid using "less precarious" when comparing obviously unrelated concepts. Saying "Eating an apple is less precarious than skydiving" is technically correct but lacks meaningful context and sounds awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less precarious" typically functions as a modifier, usually an adjective phrase, describing a noun or situation. It indicates a state that is not as risky or unstable as it once was, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less precarious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to describe something that has become more stable, secure, or safe. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a reduction in risk or instability. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting a neutral to professional tone. Alternatives include "more secure", "more stable", and "safer". When using the phrase, ensure it adds meaningful context and avoids awkward comparisons. While this phrase is acceptable for use, be sure to explore alternatives to better suit your intended audience or medium.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more secure

Focuses on the aspect of safety and stability.

more stable

Emphasizes a lack of volatility or change.

safer

Highlights the reduction of risk or danger.

more reliable

Suggests increased dependability and trustworthiness.

more sound

Implies a stronger foundation or basis.

more assured

Conveys a greater degree of certainty and confidence.

better established

Indicates a stronger and more recognized position.

more settled

Suggests a state of calmness and stability.

more sustainable

Highlights the ability to be maintained over time.

more tenable

Focuses on the defensibility or justification of a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "less precarious" to describe a situation that has become more stable or secure. For example, "After the new regulations, the company's financial situation is "less precarious" than before".

What's a good alternative to "less precarious"?

Alternatives include "more secure", "more stable", or "safer", depending on the specific context.

Is "less precarious" formal or informal?

"Less precarious" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it is more commonly found in formal or neutral contexts such as news articles and reports.

What is the difference between "less precarious" and "less vulnerable"?

"Less precarious" emphasizes a reduction in instability or risk, while "less vulnerable"/"less vulnerable" focuses on a reduction in susceptibility to harm or attack. They can be similar but describe slightly different aspects of a situation.