perilous

[per-uh-luhs]

adjective

1. involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous.

   a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.

   Synonyms: risky
   Antonyms: safe

perilous

/ ˈpɛrɪləs /

adjective

1. very hazardous or dangerous

   a perilous journey

Other Word Forms

• perilousness noun
• perilously adverb
• nonperilous adjective
• unperilous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilous¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French perillous, from Latin perīculōsus; peril, -ous

Example Sentences

But the end of the August recess in Washington — and the oncoming flu and COVID-19 season — could return public attention to subjects that have proved politically perilous for the president this week.

From Los Angeles Times

But 53 years after the Strembergs’ death, the two-lane road is still perilous.

From Los Angeles Times

The perilous journey over the Atlantic Ocean has become an increasingly common route for African migrants trying to reach Europe.

From BBC

In the month of May Amira embarked on a perilous journey through one of Sudan's most active war zones.

From BBC

No party seems to be arguing that people making perilous journeys across the English Channel is a good thing.

From BBC

Related Words

• delicate 
• dicey 
• hazardous 
• precarious 
• risky 
• rugged 
• shaky 
• threatening 
• ticklish 
• touchy 
• treacherous 
• uncertain 
• unstable