cautious

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːʃəs/

adjective

  • (of a person) careful to avoid potential problems or dangers: a cautious driver firms have been unusually cautious about hiring new workers
  • (of an action) characterized by the desire to avoid potential problems or dangers: the plan received a cautious welcome

Derivatives

cautiously

adverb

cautiousness

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century: from caution, on the pattern of pairs such as ambition, ambitious