quite precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite precarious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is unstable or risky. Example: "The company's financial situation is quite precarious, and immediate action is needed to stabilize it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We're living in the midst of something really quite precarious".

The New York Times

"Owning a Stradivarius is actually quite precarious," we sang, pantomiming bow strokes.

The New Yorker

"The state of the plant is still quite precarious," Mr. Kan said.

The New York Times

It's far more amorphic, and they have quite precarious financial situations.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he had stabilised the bank after its "quite precarious" position when he took charge, and declared that Lloyds was now "a normal bank".

The Guardian - Business

"Like any other scheme to improve the human condition, it's quite precarious because it is so grand in its ambitions," said William Boyd, a University of Colorado law professor working to salvage the plan.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Yet, despite the sensation, Solzhenitsyn did not sense quite how precarious his situation, and his family's, had become.

The New Yorker

These are the first set of results for Northern Rock plc since the restructuring and Sandler warned that the economy was "in quite a precarious state".

The Guardian - Business

However, I found carrying laptops in the plastic bag to be quite a precarious proposition.

TechCrunch

Right now, in the United States, I would say that Public Education is in quite a precarious position.

Huffington Post

None are facing a situation quite so precarious as Alaska's, because no other state relies so heavily on oil production.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite precarious" to emphasize the instability or risk involved in a specific situation. It's stronger than simply saying "precarious".

Common error

Avoid using "quite precarious" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "rather unstable" or "somewhat risky" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite precarious" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the description of something as being unstable or risky. Ludwig examples show it describing situations, conditions, or states that are vulnerable to change or collapse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite precarious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys a sense of instability or risk. As shown by Ludwig, it often appears in news and media contexts to describe situations like financial instability or uncertain political conditions. While "quite" intensifies the meaning, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "rather unstable" or "somewhat risky" for variety. The Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in standard English, advising its use to emphasize the vulnerable nature of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather unstable

Replaces "quite" with "rather", indicating a slight shift in emphasis but maintaining the core meaning of instability.

somewhat risky

Substitutes "precarious" with "risky" and "quite" with "somewhat", softening the intensity while conveying a similar sense of danger or uncertainty.

highly uncertain

Replaces "precarious" with "uncertain" and "quite" with "highly", emphasizing the lack of predictability in the situation.

very vulnerable

Substitutes "precarious" with "vulnerable" and "quite" with "very", focusing on the susceptibility to harm or damage.

in a delicate state

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive expression, indicating a situation that requires careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

on shaky ground

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of instability and lack of security.

hanging by a thread

Employs a vivid metaphor to describe a situation that is barely maintained and could easily collapse.

in a critical condition

Indicates a situation of extreme risk or danger, often used in medical contexts but applicable to other scenarios as well.

fraught with danger

Highlights the presence of multiple risks and potential threats.

walking a tightrope

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe a situation where one must proceed with extreme caution to avoid failure or disaster.

FAQs

What does "quite precarious" mean?

The phrase "quite precarious" describes a situation or condition that is unstable, uncertain, or risky. It suggests that the situation is vulnerable to change or collapse.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "quite precarious"?

Use "quite precarious" when you want to emphasize the instability or risk associated with something. It is suitable for describing financial situations, political climates, or any scenario where the outcome is uncertain and potentially negative.

What are some alternatives to saying "quite precarious"?

You can use alternatives like "rather unstable", "somewhat risky", or "highly uncertain" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "quite precarious" differ from simply saying "precarious"?

Adding "quite" intensifies the meaning of "precarious", emphasizing the degree of instability or risk involved. It suggests that the situation is more vulnerable or uncertain than if you simply described it as "precarious".