(pronounced prih-SIH-peh-tuhs)

Again, one of those words with multiple meaning, but all actually related. In fact, there are so many that we’re not even going to cover all of them so that we can just focus on the most common usages. When it comes to the tangible, precipitous means quite steep or overhanging, as in a slope (ex: ramp), grade (ex: hill), or ascent (ex: road). In intangible terms, the word means overhasty or rushed, especially without much thought or consideration of the lasting effects.

Example: Due to the ridiculously fast turn around on the contract documents, the specification for the hotel lobby’s flooring material was precipitous, resulting in high long-term maintenance costs for the owners.