as in instability
the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position
she quickly moved the china teapot after noticing its precariousness on the shelf
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Recent Examples of precariousness
There, many of Cale’s pet fascinations, like the precariousness of memory and the lacuna between yourself and other people, opened themselves up with a lovely quietness.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The situation in Venezuela is further complicated by the volatility of the exchange rate, the high prices of goods and basic products, and the precariousness of salaries and bonuses for millions of workers in the public sector, Trak said.
—Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
Trump’s emergency order, along with subsequent federal deployments that have continued in some form even after the formal emergency expired, highlighted the precariousness of local control.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Swift has described the song as a meditation on fame, scrutiny and the precariousness of love, themes she's often navigated in her own career.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The situation in Venezuela is further complicated by the volatility of the exchange rate, the high prices of goods and basic products, and the precariousness of salaries and bonuses for millions of workers in the public sector, Trak said.
—Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
Trump’s emergency order, along with subsequent federal deployments that have continued in some form even after the formal emergency expired, highlighted the precariousness of local control.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Swift has described the song as a meditation on fame, scrutiny and the precariousness of love, themes she's often navigated in her own career.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precariousness
instability
Noun
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Research also indicates that without adequate post-placement support, many families reenter shelter, reflecting ongoing housing instability.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
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In the past several months, superintendents in large urban and suburban districts — including Natomas and Twin Rivers — have signed open letters to state legislators asking for more robust funding for schools, citing economic instability and labor disputes.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precariousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precariousness. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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