precipitous
adjective
pre·cip·i·tous
pri-ˈsi-pə-təs 
2
a
: very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall
a precipitous slope
b
: having precipitous sides
a precipitous gorge
c
: having a very steep ascent
a precipitous street
precipitously
adverb
precipitousness
noun
Examples of precipitous in a Sentence
There has been a precipitous decline in home sales recently.
People were shocked by his precipitous fall from political power.
Recent Examples on the Web
For industry analysts, the lack of such Hollywood-event movies is the latest evidence of a film business in precipitous decline.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
While that decline in performance should be expected from all quarterbacks, Rodgers’ limitations made the dropoff far more precipitous than his peers.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
In a brief filed in the Supreme Court case, the UC system said the change led to a precipitous drop in underrepresented minorities, especially at the system’s most selective campuses.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Fortune, 6 May 2026
With its precipitous mountains and spectacular beaches looking out on the Norwegian Sea, the Lofoten Island chain is a magnet for tourists even during the long months of winter.
—Alan Crawford, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precipitous
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Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
While that decline in performance should be expected from all quarterbacks, Rodgers’ limitations made the dropoff far more precipitous than his peers.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
In a brief filed in the Supreme Court case, the UC system said the change led to a precipitous drop in underrepresented minorities, especially at the system’s most selective campuses.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Fortune, 6 May 2026
With its precipitous mountains and spectacular beaches looking out on the Norwegian Sea, the Lofoten Island chain is a magnet for tourists even during the long months of winter.
—Alan Crawford, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precipitous
Cite this Entry
“Precipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precipitous. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precipitous
adjective
pre·cip·i·tous
pri-ˈsip-ət-əs
1
: showing unwise and unnecessary haste : rash
a precipitous act
2
: steep like a precipice
a precipitous slope
precipitously
adverb
precipitousness
noun
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