How to pronounce precarity
Say it like pruh-KER-ih-tee. Precarity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce precarity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pruh
- KER
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Precarity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of precarity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: prih-KAIR-ih-tee.
What does precarity mean?
- Synonym of precariousness (“the state of being uncertain or unstable”); (countable) an instance of this.
- The condition of existence without predictability or security, thus affecting material or psychological welfare; (countable) an instance of this.
Where does precarity come from?
From precar(ious) + -ity (suffix forming nouns from adjectives denoting the properties, qualities, or states of the adjectives), probably modeled after French précarité (“precariousness; existence without financial or social security”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with precarity
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of precarity.
Questions about saying precarity
How do you pronounce precarity?
Say pruh-KER-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /prəˈkɛrɪti/. In British English it is /prɪˈkɛərɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in precarity?
Precarity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KER). Broken into parts: pruh · KER · ih · tee.
Is precarity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /prɪˈkɛərɪti/ (prih-KAIR-ih-tee).