Choose the most appropriate antonym of the underlined word:
I am in a rather precarious position in my place of work.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → secure
- Precarious means not safe or certain; likely to fall or be lost. The speaker's position at work is unstable and could be lost at any time.
Example: The climber stood on a precarious ledge above the valley. - Secure means safe, stable and not likely to be lost, so it is the antonym of precarious.
Example: A government job is often seen as a secure career.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: uncomfortable — Incorrect. Uncomfortable means not at ease, physically or mentally. A precarious position may well feel uncomfortable, so the word is closer to it than opposite.
Example: The long silence made everyone uncomfortable.
Option 2: senior — Incorrect. Senior means higher in rank or older; a senior post can still be precarious.
Example: She was promoted to a senior position in the bank.
Option 3: privileged — Incorrect. Privileged means having special advantages; it describes favour or rank, not safety.
Example: He was privileged to meet the President.
| Synonyms (Precarious) | Antonyms (Precarious) |
|---|---|
| unstable | secure |
| insecure | stable |
| uncertain | safe |
| risky | steady |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| precarious | 13-05 S1 30-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |