What does precipice mean?
A precipice is a steep or vertical cliff, especially one that presents a severe danger to anyone approaching its edge. The word also has an important figurative use: a person, decision, or situation may be described as being on or at the precipice when it is dangerously close to failure, disaster, war, or another serious turning point. This figurative sense often suggests not only danger but also uncertainty and the possibility of a sudden, consequential change. Precipice is common in formal writing, journalism, and political commentary, where it conveys the drama of a precarious situation. It is more evocative than the general word “cliff” when the emphasis is on extreme height, exposure, or peril, and more dramatic than “brink” when describing a literal landscape feature. The word is used in both British and American English.
nounA very steep or vertical cliff, especially one that forms a dangerous drop. Figuratively, it refers to a dangerous or precarious situation, especially one in which a person or organization is close to a serious change or disaster.
- A steep or vertical cliff or rock face.
- A dangerous or precarious situation, especially one marked by uncertainty and potentially disastrous consequences.
"The climbers paused at the edge of the precipice, aware that a single misstep could prove fatal."
"A narrow path led along the precipice, with the valley far below."
"The negotiations were teetering on the precipice of a total breakdown."
The standard plural is “precipices.”
"The cliffs were dotted with several steep precipices."
A precipice is a cliff with a long way down—and figuratively, a decision can leave you standing at the edge of disaster.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of precipice
Precipice entered English from French précipice in the early 17th century. French had borrowed the word from Latin praecipitium, meaning “a precipice” or “downfall,” which developed from the same root behind precipitate, precipitation, and precipitous. The Latin root is associated with the idea of falling or throwing down, reflecting the word’s long connection with abrupt descent and danger.
How precipice is actually used
The word is formal and often evokes danger, extreme height, or a situation in which a disastrous outcome is very close. Its figurative use is common in journalism and political or business commentary.