precipitous

1. Steep or sheer; resembling a precipice.

   synonyms:steepperilous

2. Sudden and dramatic in nature.

   synonyms:rapidabrupt

Derived from the Latin word 'praecipitōsus', meaning 'headlong' or 'hasty', which comes from 'praecipitare', meaning 'to throw down'.

Everyday use, particularly in contexts describing landscapes, declines, or sudden changes.

While not used daily by everyone, it appears often in literature and discussions related to geography or dramatic changes.

The hikers cautiously approached the precipitious cliff, wary of the steep drop.

After a precipitous decline in sales, the company had to rethink its marketing strategy.

The mountain trail became increasingly precipitous, challenging even the most experienced climbers.

The word 'precipitous' has an intriguing history that dates back to Latin, where it described something that was headlong or hasty. It's often used to depict steep landscapes or sudden changes in situations, making it a favorite among writers and speakers alike. Imagine standing at the edge of a steep cliff, feeling the thrill of the drop—that's the essence of 'precipitous'! Whether describing a dramatic decline in stock prices or the steepness of a mountain trail, this word adds a flair of excitement to our language.