危(あや)うさ

あやうさ
noun
precariousness; riskiness; fragility
evaluationabstract
1. precariousness; the quality of being on the edge of failure
The nominalized form of 危(あや)うい. It names a fragile, unstable quality that could tip into disaster at any moment — often used admiringly of art, performance, or beauty as well as critically of situations.
その計画(けいかく)の危(あや)うさに気(き)づいた。
I noticed how precarious that plan was.
彼女(かのじょ)の歌(うた)には危(あや)うさと美(うつく)しさがある。
Her singing has both a fragility and a beauty to it.
好調(こうちょう)に見(み)えるこの経済(けいざい)にも、一部(いちぶ)の専門家(せんもんか)は危(あや)うさを感(かん)じている。
Even in this economy, which looks strong, some experts sense a fragility.

Formed from the i-adjective 危(あや)うい plus the nominalizing suffix 〜さ. Written language more than conversation.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 危(あぶ)なさ: dangerousness — plainer and more physical; 危(あや)うさ is more literary and often admiring
  • 危険(きけん)性(せい): riskiness — neutral and analytical, used in reports and assessments

Related Words

Related: 危(あぶ)ない
Related: 危険(きけん)
Compare: 危険性(きけんせい) (riskiness)
Compare: リスク (risk)
general
Added 2026.8.3 9:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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