Depending on the will or pleasure of another; held by courtesy; liable to be changed or lost at the pleasure of another; as, precarious privileges.
- Dangerously lacking in security or stability: a precarious posture; precarious footing on the ladder.
- Subject to chance or unknown conditions: "His kingdom was still precarious; the Danes far from subdued” ( Christopher Brooke).
- Based on uncertain, unwarranted, or unproved premises: a precarious solution to a difficult problem.
- Archaic Dependent on the will or favor of another.