precipitous
adjective /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
/prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
(formal)- very steep, high and often dangerous synonym sheer
- precipitous cliffs
- a precipitous drop at the side of the road
- sudden and great synonym abrupt
- a precipitous decline in exports
- done very quickly, without enough thought or care synonym hasty
- a precipitous action
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from obsolete French précipiteux, from Latin praeceps, praecip(it)- ‘steep, headlong’, from prae ‘before’ + caput ‘head’.