precarious
Translation
precarious, uncertain, insecure
Examples
He made a precarious living as an artist.
He made a precarious living as an artist.
The ladder was in a precarious position.
The ladder was in a precarious position.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) precarious ((noun)) dangerously unstable The ladder was in a precarious position.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unstable, insecure, risky; Antonyms: stable, secure, safe
Etymology
From Latin 'precarius' meaning 'obtained by prayer', from 'prex' (prayer). It originally meant dependent on another's will.
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'pray for us' because the situation is so dangerous you need to pray.