Precipitous (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Extremely steep; "an abrupt canyon"; "the precipitous rapids of the upper river"; "the precipitous hills of Chinese paintings"; "a sharp drop".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The hikers were warned about the precipitous trail that led to the summit, where one misstep could be fatal.
- The river's precipitous rapids made it a thrilling but treacherous destination for whitewater rafters.
- The landscape artist was known for her paintings of precipitous hills and misty valleys that seemed to defy gravity.
- The driver's sudden turn onto the precipitous mountain road left her passengers gasping in alarm.
- The tourists stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, awestruck by the precipitous drop into the depths below.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Done with very great haste and without due deliberation; "hasty marriage seldom proveth well"- Shakespeare; "hasty makeshifts take the place of planning"- Arthur Geddes; "rejected what was regarded as an overhasty plan for reconversion"; "wondered whether they had been rather precipitate in deposing the king".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The company's precipitous decision to lay off half the staff led to a major backlash from investors and customers.
- Her precipitous resignation from the board of directors raised eyebrows among industry insiders.
- The government's precipitous response to the crisis was criticized for being ill-conceived and poorly executed.
- The hikers made a precipitous descent down the mountain, sliding and stumbling on the loose rocks.
- The precipitous withdrawal of troops from the conflict zone was widely seen as a strategic blunder.