steep, abrupt, precipitous, sheer mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

PRECIPITOUS definition: of the nature of or characterized by precipices. See examples of precipitous used in a sentence.

PRECIPITOUS definition: 1. If a slope is precipitous, it is very steep: 2. If a reduction or increase is precipitous, it…. Learn more.

Definition of precipitous adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

precipitous , precipitate - Precipitous, "hasty, sudden and dramatic," is used in relation to physical or natural objects; precipitate, "done with great haste," relates to human actions or processes.

Factsheet What does the adjective precipitous mean? There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective precipitous. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Jan 20, 2026 · Equivalent to precipice (“steep”) +‎ -ous. precipitous. About this time our journey began to be pleasant again. The weather warm, yet not disagreeably so, the grass abundant and of an …

There has been a precipitous decline/drop in home sales recently. People were shocked by his precipitous fall from political power.

A precipitous slope or drop is very steep and often dangerous. The town is perched on the edge of a steep, precipitous cliff.

Precipitous generally refers to something that is very steep, abrupt, or done hastily or without careful consideration. It can refer to both physical steepness, such as a cliff or slope, or a …