precarious circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

'precarious circumstances' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, usually of hardship, that is uncertain and could change quickly. For example, "Many families are living in precarious circumstances due to the economic crisis, unable to plan for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

(Another 14,000 live in more precarious circumstances in Venezuela).

The New York Times - Arts

In the other version of Mary's story, she's an unprotected worker in precarious circumstances.

The New Yorker

The UN's refugee agency says 800 refugees will be denied entry to USA this week and 20,000 people will be left in precarious circumstances by the ban.

The Guardian

Indigenous people and other environmental defenders live under precarious circumstances in rural areas with little rule of law – 46 environmental defenders were killed in 2017 in Brazil.

The Guardian

"The Guardian and Observer charity appeal will help us build support for all migrants in precarious circumstances, and challenge unjust policies," said the Praxis chief executive, Sally Daghlian.

The Guardian

"We meet people who are in difficulty, who are poor or in precarious circumstances, and then we never see them again.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

When rights are trampled and due process is subverted in cases involving CPS it can so often lead to crucial information being missed and a child being put into a precarious circumstance.

Huffington Post

Yamamoto is clear-sighted and un-nostalgic about his family's precarious economic circumstances.

The New Yorker

At that time, an additional six rural hospitals faced precarious financial circumstances.

The Guardian

As well as balancing their research workloads, frequently precarious financial circumstances and their own teacher training, these GTAs must decide where they stand on union matters.

The Guardian

The artist did get a pretty strong hint of his precarious financial circumstances in the final months of his life, when he moved to Memphis and hoped to buy the ramshackle doer-upper he was renting.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precarious circumstances", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific risks or vulnerabilities involved. Providing concrete details enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "precarious circumstances" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. The phrase carries a significant weight and should be reserved for genuinely risky or unstable situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precarious circumstances" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It highlights the unstable and potentially dangerous nature of the situation being described, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precarious circumstances" is a frequently used phrase that effectively conveys instability and risk. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. To enhance your writing, make sure to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its strong connotation and avoid overuse in less serious contexts. Alternatives include "risky situations" or "unstable conditions". The phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, underscoring its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risky situations

Replaces 'circumstances' with 'situations', emphasizing the presence of danger or hazard.

unstable conditions

Focuses on the lack of stability and potential for sudden change in the environment or situation.

fragile state

Highlights the vulnerability and susceptibility to damage or collapse of the situation.

vulnerable position

Emphasizes the lack of protection and susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

tenuous situation

Indicates a delicate and easily disrupted scenario.

parlous state of affairs

Uses more formal language to describe a dangerous or uncertain condition.

difficult straits

Highlights the hardship and distress associated with the situation.

dire straits

Emphasizes the extreme severity and urgency of the difficult situation.

sensitive situation

Underscores the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

uncertain times

Shifts focus to a period marked by unpredictability and insecurity.

FAQs

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

"Precarious circumstances" describes a situation that is unstable, uncertain, and potentially dangerous. For example, "Refugees often live in "precarious circumstances", lacking access to basic necessities".

What are some alternatives to "precarious circumstances"?

You can use alternatives such as "risky situations", "unstable conditions", or "fragile state" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "precarious situation" or "precarious circumstances"?

Both "precarious situation" and "precarious circumstances" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Circumstances" might imply a broader range of contributing factors, while "situation" is more general.

What distinguishes "precarious circumstances" from "difficult circumstances"?

"Difficult circumstances" suggests hardship or challenge, while "precarious circumstances" implies a higher level of risk and instability. The latter suggests the potential for a sudden and negative change, unlike general hardship.