precariously
On the edge
Precariously means in a way that lacks stability or security, suggesting imminent danger of falling or failing.
Something balanced precariously could tip at any moment: The vase sat precariously on the edge of the table.
The word extends to unstable situations generally: The company was precariously close to bankruptcy.
Unstably balanced, nearly falling
- wobblyTending to teeter
- balancedIn a state of equilibrium
- perchedResting in place
- shakyTrembling or unstable
unsteady · tottering · rickety · tilting · swaying · leaning · dangling · hovering
Easily broken or damaged
- flimsyWeak and easily damaged
- uncertainNot firmly known
- insecureLacking self-assurance
- shakyTrembling or unstable
doubtful · questionable · weak · thin · slight · temporary · contingent · unreliable
Likely to cause injury
- perilousFraught with danger
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- riskyInvolving possible harm
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
dire · menacing · alarming · unsafe · exposed · vulnerable · jeopardized · endangered
teetering
Unstably balanced, nearly falling
shaky · unsteady · tottering · rickety · tilting · swaying · leaning · dangling · hovering · suspended
fragile
Easily broken or damaged
shaky · doubtful · questionable · weak · thin · slight · temporary · contingent · unreliable · unstable
hazardous
Likely to cause injury
- perilousFraught with danger
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- riskyInvolving possible harm
threatening · dire · menacing · alarming · unsafe · exposed · vulnerable · jeopardized · endangered · imperiled
precariouslysafely
Without danger occurring
certainly · reliably · assuredly · confidently · dependably