more precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more precarious" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means something that is even riskier or more uncertain than another situation. Example: As the economy continued to struggle, the financial situation became even more precarious for many families. In this sentence, "more precarious" is used to describe the financial situation, indicating that it had already been risky but it became even more uncertain or unstable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It certainly looks more precarious than Europe's.

The Economist

Jeffrey's situation is even more precarious.

The New York Times - Health

But everything now seems more precarious.

The Guardian - Travel

It's been in far more precarious locations.

The Guardian

As of now, employment becomes more precarious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gabbert's position is the more precarious.

The Guardian - Sport

Increased migration had led to more precarious living.

Harvard University

The small changes are even more precarious defensively.

The New York Times

It could make the situation even more precarious.

The New York Times

At one time, his fate seemed even more precarious.

The New York Times

But the SPD is in a more precarious position.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more precarious", ensure you've clearly established the baseline situation to which you're comparing. This provides necessary context for the increased risk or instability.

Common error

Avoid using "more precarious" simply to add drama. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Use it judiciously when there's a genuine increase in risk or instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more precarious" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state that is riskier or less stable than before. Ludwig examples show its application in describing situations across economics, health, and personal circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more precarious" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that describes a situation that has become riskier or less stable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, from news reports and academic papers to general discussions. When using "more precarious", make sure to clearly establish the original state to provide sufficient context for understanding the heightened risk. While it's suitable for many situations, avoid overusing it to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "more unstable" or "more risky" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The presence of the phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unstable

Emphasizes the lack of stability compared to the original state.

more risky

Focuses specifically on the increased potential for negative outcomes.

more uncertain

Highlights the lack of predictability or clarity.

more hazardous

Highlights the potential danger.

more perilous

Focuses on the imminent threat of danger or harm.

more vulnerable

Stresses increased susceptibility to negative effects.

more insecure

Highlights a feeling of lack of safety or stability.

more delicate

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to fragility.

more fragile

Stresses the likelihood of breaking or failing under stress.

more tenuous

Highlights the lack of a firm basis or support.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "more precarious" in a sentence?

Use "more precarious" to describe a situation that has become riskier or less stable than it previously was. For example, "After the job loss, their financial situation became "more precarious"".

What are some alternatives to saying "more precarious"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use phrases like "more unstable", "more risky", or "more uncertain".

Is there a difference between "more precarious" and "more dangerous"?

While both suggest increased risk, "more precarious" often implies a lack of stability or security, whereas "more dangerous" directly emphasizes the potential for harm. For instance, a bridge in disrepair is "more precarious", but facing a wild animal is "more dangerous".

When is it appropriate to use "more precarious" rather than "less secure"?

"More precarious" is fitting when highlighting an increase in instability or uncertainty in addition to a decrease in security. "Less secure" focuses primarily on the reduction of safety or protection. Therefore, it would be useful to check the dictionary meaning of "less secure" to understand its context before using it.