precipitous

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pre|cipi|tous /prɪs'ɪpɪtəs/
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A precipitous slope or drop is very steep and often dangerous.
The town is perched on the edge of a steep, precipitous cliff.
● precipitously [ADV] usu ADV after v, also ADV adj
The ground beyond the road fell away precipitously.
2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A precipitous change is sudden and unpleasant.
The stock market's precipitous drop frightened foreign investors...
● precipitously [ADV] ADV with v
The company has seen its profits fall precipitously over the past few years.
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A precipitous action happens very quickly and often without being planned.
...a precipitous decision.
● precipitously [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
They've got to act precipitously to make the deals.

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