Definition of precarity

The word "precarity" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the word "precarius," which means "obtained by begging" or "obtained by seeking aid." In the 15th century, the Latin word was adopted into Middle French as "précariat," and later into Early Modern English as "precarity." Initially, the term referred to the state of being beset by hardships or difficulties, often caused by poverty or poverty-related issues. Over time, the meaning of "precarity" has expanded to encompass a broader sense of uncertainty, instability, and vulnerability. Today, the term is often used in academic and socio-economic contexts to describe precarious labor, precarious living situations, and the effects of globalization on working-class communities. Despite its evolution, the word's core meaning remains tied to the idea of living on the margins, characterized by a constant sense of uncertainty and risk.