Which word means not certain or lacking security?

• A. Precipice
• B. Precede
• C. Potential
• D. Precarious

Answer: (D)

Not certain or lacking security is described by precarious. This word captures a sense of instability, risk, and conditions that could change suddenly—like a precarious job, a precarious financial situation, or a precarious bridge that could fail. It emphasizes vulnerability and uncertainty in outcomes.

The other words don’t fit as well. Precipice is a noun for a sheer cliff edge, which signals danger in a physical sense but not the general idea of insecurity. Precede is a verb meaning to come before in time or order, not related to security or certainty. Potential means something that could happen or be true in the future, implying possibility but not necessarily instability or insecurity.