precarious

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈkɛːrɪəs/

adjective

  • not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse: a precarious ladder
  • dependent on chance; uncertain: he made a precarious living as a painter

Derivatives

precariously

adverb

precariousness

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin precarius 'obtained by entreaty' (from prex, prec- 'prayer') + -ous