précaire

fr
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Translating...
precarious, insecure, fragile, revocable, at sufferance
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/pʁekɛʁ/
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Lacking a secure hold on the future.

Examples

  • Le juge a rappelé le caractère précaire de la permission.
    The judge recalled the revocable nature of the permission.
  • Sa santé reste précaire après l’opération.
    His health remains fragile after the operation.
  • Cette autorisation précaire peut être retirée.
    This revocable authorization can be withdrawn.
  • Il occupe les lieux à titre précaire.
    He occupies the premises on a revocable basis.
  • La convention lui accorde un droit précaire d’usage.
    The agreement gives him a revocable right of use.

Similar words

vulnérable
instable
incertain
fragile
provisoire
révocable

Meanings

Insecure or unstable

adjective
everyday
neutral
Without reliable stability or assurance of lasting, whether of work, health, shelter or a situation.

Examples

  • Elle vit dans un logement précaire.
    She lives in insecure housing.
  • Sa santé reste précaire après l’opération.
    His health remains fragile after the operation.
  • Ces emplois précaires ne garantissent aucun revenu stable.
    These insecure jobs provide no stable income.
  • La paix est encore précaire.
    Peace is still fragile.
  • Nous avons construit un abri précaire pour la nuit.
    We built a makeshift shelter for the night.

Similar words

Held by revocable permission

adjective
law
formal
Existing only by a permission or right that may be withdrawn, especially in legal use.

Examples

  • Il occupe les lieux à titre précaire.
    He occupies the premises on a revocable basis.
  • Cette autorisation précaire peut être retirée.
    This revocable authorization can be withdrawn.
  • La convention lui accorde un droit précaire d’usage.
    The agreement gives him a revocable right of use.
  • Une occupation précaire ne crée pas de bail durable.
    Precarious occupancy does not create a lasting lease.
  • Le juge a rappelé le caractère précaire de la permission.
    The judge recalled the revocable nature of the permission.

Similar words

Etymology

FAQ

What does précaire mean?

It describes a situation that may not last or remain secure.

Can it describe employment?

Yes. An emploi précaire offers little security or stability.

Can it describe health?

Yes, when a person’s condition is fragile.

What does it mean in law?

A right or permission that can be withdrawn.

Does précaire mean poor?

Not exactly. It stresses insecurity, though financial hardship often accompanies it.

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