Precarity
Word of the Day
What is Precarity?
noun
A state of existence lacking in predictability, stability, or security, especially affecting employment or living conditions.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to highlight the widespread instability observed in global events on this date, reflecting societal and economic vulnerabilities.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The precarity of his employment situation made long-term planning impossible.
Artists often face financial precarity due to inconsistent income streams.
The study highlighted the precarity experienced by migrant workers in urban areas.
Word Origins
From Latin precarius, meaning “obtained by entreaty” or “dependent on favor”.
Gained prominence in sociological discourse to describe the rise of insecure labor and living conditions in modern economies.
First appearance in English: 20th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The precarity of their housing situation was evident.
-
Adjective:
They lived in a precarious financial state.
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Adverb:
The ladder was precariously balanced against the wall.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: precariedad
- French: précarité
- German: Prekarität
- Italian: precarietà
- Portuguese: precariedade
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Insecurity
A general term for lack of stability; precarity often refers to systemic conditions.
Instability
Broad term for lack of stability; precarity emphasizes vulnerability in social and economic contexts.
Vulnerability
Refers to susceptibility to harm; precarity focuses on systemic exposure to risk.
Marginalization
Describes the process of being pushed to the edge of society; precarity can be a result of marginalization.
Fun Facts
- The term “precarity” gained prominence in the early 2000s among European sociologists analyzing labor market changes.
- “Precarity” is often used to describe the condition of workers in the gig economy, highlighting the lack of job security.
Cultural Usage
- The concept of precarity has been central to discussions about the gig economy and labor rights.
- In contemporary novels, characters often navigate the precarity of modern urban life.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “precariousness”; however, “precarity” often refers to systemic or structural conditions rather than individual situations.
Micro Story
Living paycheck to paycheck, she was all too familiar with the feeling of precarity that came with gig economy jobs.