How to Pronounce Precarious

To pronounce "precarious", say PREC-ar-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /pɹəˈkɛəɹi.əs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

precarious

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/pɹəˈkɛəɹi.əs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “precarious”

"precarious" has 3 syllables: prec-ar-ious. It rhymes with gregarious and nefarious, if that helps it stick.

What does precarious mean?

adjective

  1. Dangerously insecure or unstable; perilous.
  2. Depending on the intention of another.

Synonyms

ricketyshakytotteringunsafeunstableunsteadywobbly

Hear “precarious” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with precarious

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

gregariousnefariousvariousvicariouscariousscariousterreoushilariousferreousaquariusmarius

Related words

parlousdangerousperilousunstableuneasyunsafeshakyinsecure

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "precarious"?▾

"Precarious" has 3 syllables: prec · ar · ious.

What is the IPA transcription of "precarious"?▾

The IPA transcription of "precarious" is /pɹəˈkɛəɹi.əs/.

What does "precarious" mean?▾

Precarious: Dangerously insecure or unstable; perilous.

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