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   precipitous

   /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/

   adjective

   • 1. dangerously high or steep: "the track skirted a precipitous drop" Similar steepsheerhighperpendicularabruptsharpdizzyvertiginousverticalbluffrare:acclivitousdeclivitous
   • ▪ (of a change to a worse situation or condition) sudden and dramatic: "a precipitous slide in the government's popularity" Similar suddenrapidswiftabruptmeteoricheadlongspeedyquickfasthurriedbreakneckviolentprecipitateunexpectedwithout warningunanticipatedunforeseenrare:precipitant
   • 2. (of an action) done suddenly and without careful consideration: "precipitous intervention" Similar hastyoverhastyrashhurriedrushedimpetuousimpulsivespur-of-the-momentprecipitateincautiousimprudentinjudiciousill-advisedheedlessrecklesshare-brainedfoolhardyinformal:harum-scarumpreviousrare:temerarious

   Word Origin mid 17th century: from obsolete French précipiteux, from Latin praeceps, praecip(it)- ‘steep, headlong’ (see precipitate).

   Derivatives

   • 1. precipitousness noun

   Scrabble Points: 17

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