precariousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precariousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being uncertain, unstable, or dependent on chance, often in relation to situations or conditions that are risky or insecure. Example: "The precariousness of their financial situation left them feeling anxious about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If most "slums" don't enjoy adequate infrastructure, it is not because it is technically difficult or even expensive, but rather because there is a deliberate will to keep certain neighbourhoods in a state of precariousness and political dependency.

The Guardian

Then, just when you get the impression that Baltes is giving us permission to laugh out loud, she undermines any levity with alarming precariousness and nightmarish shadow: one recent show in Cologne was titled There's A Light And A Whistle For Attracting Attention.

The Guardian - Arts

"But it was invented at moment when this sector was unique in its precariousness.

The Guardian

The stalling of a major offensive led by the cream of its recently modernised armed forces has exposed the precariousness of its grip on the peninsula, which was wrested from the Tigers only in 1996.

The Economist

A combination of political torpor and economic fragility has once again raised questions about the precariousness of the country's position.A few months ago things looked rosier.

The Economist

In addition to Tokia Saïfi, a woman in charge of "the struggle against precariousness and exclusion", France's Muslim minority is also represented by the Algerian-born Hamlaoui Mekachera, who fought for the French in the Algerian war of independence and is now made responsible for war veterans.

The Economist

But, while no one questions that the prime minister is playing for high stakes, what's striking is how much gloating there is at the imagined precariousness of his position.In this section Fading Dumb tests Dream on Mind how you go Farewell to arms Mind the gap Reinventing hospitals txt msgN Bloody, but how bowed?

The Economist

Many people have a great feeling of the country's precariousness," says Julio Cotler, of Lima's Institute of Peruvian Studies.

The Economist

Larry Summers, Barack Obama's chief economic adviser, argues that Schumpeter may prove to be the most important economist of the 21st century.A prophet and a role modelThe prophet of capitalism's creative powers also understood the precariousness of the capitalist achievement.

The Economist

She is now repeating this virtuous pattern with her own children.Mrs Obama also has a unique understanding of the precariousness of black life.

The Economist

In my reading, these statistics show the intrinsic precariousness of being new as much as the vicissitudes of geography or systemic predation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precariousness", ensure the context clearly indicates what is uncertain or unstable. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "precariousness" in contexts where simpler terms like "risk" or "uncertainty" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

Precariousness functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state or condition characterized by instability, uncertainty, or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable standing in written English. It encapsulates the quality of being dependent on chance or unknown conditions, making it suitable for describing situations where outcomes are unpredictable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Precariousness is a noun that effectively describes a state of uncertainty, instability, or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and science. While alternatives like "instability" or "uncertainty" exist, "precariousness" offers a nuanced way to express vulnerability and potential danger. When incorporating "precariousness" into your writing, clarity is paramount, ensuring the context explicitly identifies the source of the instability or uncertainty. This practice maintains both accuracy and impact, solidifying the term's significance in conveying complex ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instability

Focuses on the lack of stability, highlighting the tendency to change or fluctuate unexpectedly.

uncertainty

Emphasizes the lack of sureness or predictability about the future or current situation.

insecurity

Highlights the feeling of being unsafe or unprotected, either physically or emotionally.

riskiness

Focuses specifically on the presence of potential danger or negative consequences.

fragility

Indicates a state of being easily broken or damaged, either literally or metaphorically.

vulnerability

Highlights susceptibility to harm or negative influence.

tenuousness

Emphasizes the weakness or slightness of something, suggesting it could easily fail.

perilousness

Stresses the imminent danger or threat involved.

unsteadiness

Highlights the lack of firmness or stability in a physical or metaphorical sense.

exposure

Focuses on the state of being open to harm or risk.

FAQs

How is "precariousness" typically used in a sentence?

"Precariousness" is generally used as a noun to describe the state of being uncertain, unstable, or risky. For example, "The "precariousness" of their financial situation caused them anxiety."

What words can I use instead of "precariousness"?

Alternatives to "precariousness" include "instability", "uncertainty", "insecurity", and "riskiness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "precariousness" and "fragility"?

"Precariousness" refers to a state of instability or uncertainty, while "fragility" refers to the quality of being easily broken or damaged. Something can be precarious without being fragile, and vice versa.

Is it more appropriate to use "precariousness" or "precarity"?

Both "precariousness" and "precarity" describe a state of instability, but "precarity" often refers specifically to precarious conditions of existence or employment, while "precariousness" is a more general term for uncertainty or instability.