precarious relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"precarious relationship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship between two people, groups, or countries that is unstable and in danger of ending abruptly. For example, "The troop withdrawal put a strain on the precarious relationship between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In the media world, technology like MasterCard's ShopThis could change an already precarious relationship with advertisers.

The New York Times - Tech

In The Door, Hungary's most famous living author, Magda Szabó, gives a rare insight into the precarious relationship between the "lady writer" and her woman who does.

The Guardian - Books

Some reporters could not resist leading with his oddly warm but necessarily precarious relationship with Stalin, that famous lover of cartoons.

The New York Times

And the performances of Mr. Knoller and Mr. Levi (a leading Israeli soap opera star) distill the emotional chemistry of their precarious relationship.

The New York Times

Thus has this windswept island occupied a unique position in the precarious relationship between China and Taiwan, which has de facto independence but is considered a rebel province by the Communists.

The New York Times

They also see an attempt by the governor to encroach on the turf of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, a fellow Democrat with whom Mr. Cuomo has had a precarious relationship.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Want to hear about the often close but sometimes precarious relationships between LPs, VCs, and venture-backed startups?

TechCrunch

Overarching themes addressed on the record include drug addiction, precarious relationships, and freedom from self-inflicted struggles.

Wikipedia

In Uganda, health workers with management responsibilities expressed fears about their precarious relationships with the local authorities.

Human Resources for Health

For residents, life is one of exhausting and relentless uncertainty, dealing with endemic poverty, erratic jobs, insecurity and crime, precarious living conditions, unstable relationships and networks.

University of California, Berkeley

Violet and Finch first meet on top of the Bell Tower at school, a not-so-subtle foreshadowing of how precarious their relationship turns out to be.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "precarious relationship", provide context about the factors contributing to its instability. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the instability of the "precarious relationship" without sufficient evidence. Use concrete details to support your assessment and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precarious relationship" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'precarious' modifies the noun 'relationship'. It describes the quality of the relationship, indicating it is unstable or risky. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precarious relationship" effectively describes an unstable or risky connection. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts to highlight vulnerability and potential risks. While synonyms like "unstable connection" or "fragile alliance" exist, "precarious relationship" uniquely emphasizes the state of being dangerously close to collapse. When using the phrase, ensure you provide adequate context to support the assessment of instability for a stronger impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable connection

Focuses on the lack of stability in the link.

shaky alliance

Indicates a lack of firmness or security in the alliance.

uncertain connection

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the connection.

insecure bond

Emphasizes the lack of security and safety in the bond.

fragile alliance

Highlights the potential for the alliance to easily break.

tenuous bond

Emphasizes the weakness and insubstantiality of the bond.

vulnerable link

Highlights the susceptibility of the link to damage or disruption.

risky association

Highlights the element of risk involved in the association.

challenged relationship

Indicates that the relationship is facing difficulties or problems.

delicate balance

Implies a need for careful handling to avoid disruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "precarious relationship" to describe any connection that is unstable and at risk of failing. For instance, "The economic crisis has created a precarious relationship between the government and the public".

What are some synonyms for "precarious relationship"?

Alternatives include "unstable connection", "fragile alliance", or "tenuous bond". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "precarious relationship" or "troubled relationship"?

While both describe negative relationships, "precarious relationship" emphasizes instability and risk of collapse, while "troubled relationship" simply indicates difficulties or problems. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes a relationship "precarious"?

A relationship is considered "precarious" when it's subject to various stressors or uncertainties that threaten its stability. These could be economic factors, political tensions, or personal conflicts.