precipitous
Definitions
Dangerously steep; like a cliff.
险峻的，陡峭的。
Sudden and dramatic (especially of a decline).
（尤指下降）骤然的，急剧的。
Done too hastily; rash.
仓促的，鲁莽的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom the same 'head-first fall' image as precipice (prae- + caput). A precipitous slope is steep enough to fall head-down; figuratively, a precipitous drop in sales falls just as sharply, and a precipitous decision is made with the same headlong rush.
Root capit still carries 24 more wordsUsage Guide
Mostly used figuratively today, especially of sharp declines: a precipitous drop/fall/decline in numbers. The 'rash' sense (a precipitous decision) overlaps with precipitate (adj.); in careful usage precipitate = hasty, precipitous = steep, but most writers use precipitous for both. The literal 'steep cliff' sense survives mainly in descriptive or literary writing.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Sales saw a precipitous decline after the scandal broke.
- 2.
The trail climbed up a precipitous rocky slope.
- 3.
They made a precipitous decision they later regretted.