precarious issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precarious issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or topic that is unstable, uncertain, or risky, often requiring careful handling or consideration. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change is a precarious issue that demands immediate attention from policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Copulation can be a precarious issue for male tortoises, because they must balance themselves on the high-domed shell of females to fertilize them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an interview with The Washington Post last week, Trump drew attention to Cruz's birthplace and suggested it could be a "very precarious" issue for Republicans.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Women in Argentina have been awkwardly reminded of the precarious economic issues the country has faced in the last year, as tampons began disappearing from supermarket and pharmacy shelves in mid-December — right as summer kicked off in the southern hemisphere.

Vice

No, the real story is that Palin was discussing a complex, precarious, highly dangerous issue as if she were an expert, even though she clearly isn't.

Huffington Post

Republicans find themselves in a precarious position on the issue.

The New York Times

"The administration is at a precarious point on this issue," Mr. Rivkin said.

The New York Times

The president is out on a most precarious limb on this issue.

The New York Times

Behr glosses over some of the problems this will cause, such as yet another bureaucratic burden on staff and the issue of precarious contracts many are forced to endure.

The Guardian

Mr. Célestin's position became especially precarious after the Organization of American States issued findings that he had come in third in the first round of voting, which would disqualify him from the runoff.

The New York Times

That's too ridiculous to even bother refuting, but it's hardly out of line with a Republican field that has responded to the globe's most serious issues with precarious posturing.

The New York Times

Hillary Clinton was secretary of state at the time and Blumenthal – then working for the Clinton Foundation – was sending her advice about issues including the precarious situation in Libya.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precarious issue", ensure the context clearly establishes the potential risks or instability associated with the topic. For example, "The company's financial situation is a precarious issue, requiring immediate attention to avoid bankruptcy."

Common error

Avoid using "precarious issue" when the situation is merely uncertain or complex, not genuinely risky or unstable. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precarious issue" functions as an adjective-noun pair, where 'precarious' modifies 'issue'. It describes the nature or quality of the issue, indicating that it is unstable, risky, or uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precarious issue" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a situation or topic characterized by instability, risk, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate usage, and it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the implication of genuine risk and consider alternative phrases like "risky matter" or "delicate situation" to avoid overuse. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for analytical and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risky matter

Replaces "precarious" with "risky", focusing on the inherent danger.

unstable situation

Shifts from an "issue" to a "situation", emphasizing the lack of stability.

delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling.

sensitive matter

Focuses on the potential for causing offense or disagreement.

challenging problem

Highlights the difficulty in resolving the issue.

uncertain question

Implies doubt or lack of clarity surrounding the issue.

tenuous subject

Suggests a weak or fragile basis for the issue.

perilous state of affairs

Highlights the dangerous nature of the circumstances.

volatile topic

Emphasizes the likelihood of sudden and dramatic changes or reactions.

hazardous concern

Focuses on the potential for harm or danger.

FAQs

What does "precarious issue" mean?

A "precarious issue" refers to a situation or topic that is unstable, uncertain, or fraught with risk. It suggests that the matter needs careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

What can I say instead of "precarious issue"?

You can use alternatives like "risky matter", "delicate situation", or "unstable situation" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "precarious issue" in a sentence?

Use "precarious issue" when you want to emphasize the unstable or risky nature of a situation. For instance, "The political climate is a precarious issue, with the potential for escalating tensions."

Is "precarious issue" formal or informal?

"Precarious issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news and analytical writing. It maintains a level of neutrality suitable for various audiences.