What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hazardous
Example
The workers were provided with protective gear due to the hazardous nature of their job. [hazardous: adjective]
Example
It's not safe to swim in the hazardous waters contaminated with chemicals. [hazardous: adjective]
precarious
Example
The company's financial situation is precarious, and it may go bankrupt soon. [precarious: adjective]
Example
The hiker was in a precarious position on the edge of the cliff. [precarious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hazardous is less common than precarious in everyday language. Hazardous is often used in technical or scientific contexts, while precarious is more versatile and can be employed in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hazardous and precarious?
Hazardous is typically associated with a formal tone due to its technical or scientific usage, while precarious can be used in both formal and informal contexts.