Precarious

Meaning

Dependent on chance or circumstances; uncertain, unstable, and potentially dangerous; not securely held

Origin / Etymology

Latin precarius, obtained by prayer/petition; hence, uncertain, dependent on the will of another

Synonyms

Unstable Uncertain Tenuous Vulnerable

Antonyms

Secure Stable Safe Certain

Example Sentence

"Millions of gig economy workers in India exist in a precarious employment situation, lacking the social security benefits available to formal sector workers."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Valuable for GS1 (social issues), GS3 (economy, labour, poverty). 'Precarious employment', 'precarious livelihoods', 'precarious peace'. Also: 'India's energy security remains precarious given 85% import dependence on crude oil'. The word conveys instability plus risk, stronger than just 'uncertain'.

Relevant Subjects