Precarious means uncertain, unstable or not guaranteed. It can refer to a situation that is insecure and at risk of being lost or taken away. For example, someone who has a precarious job may be working on a temporary contract with no guarantee of future employment. The term can also describe something that is fragile or vulnerable, like a perilously balanced object that could easily fall apart. In summary, the word "precarious" implies instability and uncertainty in various aspects of life.