treacherous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'treacherous' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe a person, situation, or conditions that are dangerous, unreliable, and tricky. Example Sentence: The travelers were warned of the treacherous mountain path ahead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cold snap has already brought treacherous conditions to roads, with motorists in Sheffield forced to abandon their cars after becoming snowed in on Friday night.

The Guardian - Business

But even then England still wanted 76 runs to win when he was out - on a wet, treacherous pitch, with three wickets left.

The Guardian - Sport

He called for the EU and international community to take a "tough reaction against the treacherous actions of the rebels and Russia".

The Guardian

My favorite explanation of this one is that evil spirits live in the hair and spill out of the hat when it's taken off and obviously evil spirits make for some treacherous bedmates.

The Guardian

"This is a treacherous and malicious accusation," said Anwar after the charge was read in court.

The Guardian

By his own admission he was "ineffective" in the treacherous atmosphere of Wilson's cabinets.

The Guardian

So it's fair to assume that Clinton – six years removed from her first run for the White House, and two years away from her next (assuming she is running) – has a lot she wants to say about negotiating the treacherous terrain of women and power.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Texas earlier, icy and treacherous sections of Interstate 35 north of Dallas were closed for hours at a time after tractor-trailers had trouble climbing hills, crashes occurred and vehicles stalled, authorities said.

The Guardian

But the president, a man with high blood pressure, was trenchant: "Who do you think you are, you treacherous shits?

The Guardian

In 2004, he was invited to return to Russia as director of the Bolshoi, at the time one of the most cumbersome and treacherous troupes in the world; between 1995 and 2004, no fewer than three directors had been chewed up and spat out by the company's factional politics.

The Guardian

The pitch at Hillsborough is protected by undersoil heating but areas immediately surrounding the stadium have been covered in a thick blanket of snow, making roads and pavements in the vicinity treacherous.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "treacherous". Use it when you want to convey a strong sense of betrayal or peril, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "treacherous" for minor inconveniences or slightly challenging situations. Overuse diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for words with milder connotations when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "treacherous" primarily functions to qualify nouns, adding a layer of danger, unreliability, or deceit. Ludwig AI identifies its frequent usage in describing both physical environments and interpersonal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "treacherous" is a versatile adjective used to describe situations, people, or environments marked by danger, deceit, or unreliability. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in News & Media. To enhance your writing, use it when you wish to express a strong sense of betrayal or peril, and avoid using it for minor inconveniences. Remember to consider alternative words such as "perilous" or "hazardous", which nuance different types of danger. Be aware of the context to ensure it aligns with the term's intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dangerous

A general term indicating the potential for harm or injury.

perilous

Emphasizes the presence of imminent danger and risk.

risky

Similar to perilous, but with a slightly broader scope.

hazardous

Focuses on the potential for causing harm or damage.

deceptive

Highlights the misleading or dishonest nature of something.

untrustworthy

Indicates a lack of reliability and potential for betrayal.

duplicitous

Emphasizes the act of concealing one's true intentions.

unpredictable

Stresses the inability to foresee outcomes or behaviors.

faithless

Highlights a breach of trust or loyalty.

slippery

Can refer to both physical slipperiness and untrustworthiness.

FAQs

How can I use "treacherous" in a sentence?

You can use "treacherous" to describe something dangerous like a "treacherous road", or someone who is deceitful, such as a "treacherous ally".

What are some synonyms for "treacherous"?

Alternatives to "treacherous" include "perilous", "hazardous", or "deceptive", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to describe weather conditions as "treacherous"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. "Treacherous" is often used to describe weather conditions that make travel or outdoor activities dangerous. For example, "treacherous icy roads".

What is the difference between "treacherous" and "dangerous"?

"Dangerous" is a general term for something that can cause harm. "Treacherous" implies a hidden danger or a situation that appears safe but is actually hazardous or unreliable. Something "dangerous" is overtly threatening, while something "treacherous" has a deceptive element.