precarious

/pri-ˈker-ē-əs/

Latin precārius "given as a favor, depending on the pleasure or mercy of others, of questionable force or permanence, uncertain" + -ous

adjective

  1. dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments

  2. characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger

  3. dependent on uncertain premises : dubious

… forced to earn a precarious living as a door-to-door salesman.

His balance looks precarious, and I try to talk him down …

dangerous hazardous precarious perilous risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury. dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully. hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.