precarious condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precarious condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable, uncertain, or risky, often relating to health, safety, or financial status. Example: "The patient was in a precarious condition, requiring immediate medical attention to stabilize their health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But the system remains in precarious condition.

The New York Times

First, there was Abu Zubaydah's precarious condition.

The New York Times

Adding to this concern is the precarious condition of the British consumer.

The New York Times

But some analysts said that Lucent's precarious condition meant that banks would not want to risk lending too much.

The New York Times

But it now appears that those historic buildings may be in such precarious condition that they cannot be saved.

The New York Times

And it is to blame for the precarious condition in which the United States is leaving Iraq today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Up to eight million people are working in these precarious conditions".

The Guardian

Today, these groups live in extremely precarious conditions along the major thoroughfares.

The Guardian

Life-saving surgeries in precarious conditions are shown, sometimes in graphic detail.

The New York Times

Artists must endure low pay and precarious conditions, and arts administrators are often the conduits of this insecurity.

The Guardian - Books

It also found low wages, excessive working hours and precarious conditions among workers employed by its suppliers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precarious condition", consider the specific context. Is it physical, financial, or emotional? Choose stronger, more descriptive language if you want to emphasize a particular aspect of the instability.

Common error

While "precarious condition" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "unstable situation" or "risky state", particularly in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precarious condition" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a state or situation characterized by instability, uncertainty, or risk. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precarious condition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations marked by instability and risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally acceptable in a variety of contexts, though its frequency in news and media suggests a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, consider whether you want to emphasize the instability, risk, or vulnerability of the situation, and choose alternative phrases like "risky situation" or "unstable state" accordingly to add variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Synonymous, simply substituting "condition" with "situation".

risky situation

Focuses more directly on the element of risk involved.

unstable state

Emphasizes the lack of stability rather than the danger.

perilous circumstances

Highlights the potential for danger and difficulty.

hazardous situation

Emphasizes the presence of hazards and potential harm.

fragile state

Underlines the delicacy and vulnerability of the situation.

tenuous position

Highlights the weakness and instability of the position.

delicate situation

Implies that the situation requires careful handling.

dicey situation

An informal way to describe a risky or uncertain scenario.

vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "precarious condition" to describe something or someone in a risky or unstable state. For example, "The patient was in a precarious condition after the surgery" or "The company's finances were in a precarious condition due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "precarious condition"?

Some alternatives include "risky situation", "unstable state", or "hazardous situation", depending on the specific context.

Is "precarious condition" formal or informal?

"Precarious condition" is generally considered neutral to formal. While acceptable in most contexts, consider stronger or more descriptive alternatives for greater impact. Using a phrase such as "perilous circumstances", "fragile state" or "delicate situation" may be more suitable in formal writing.

What's the difference between "precarious condition" and "dangerous situation"?

While similar, "precarious condition" implies a degree of instability or uncertainty, whereas "dangerous situation" directly emphasizes the presence of immediate threat or harm. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the instability or the potential danger.