precipitously

Adverb

precipitously (comparative more precipitously, superlative most precipitously)

1. Abruptly, perilously, sharply, steeply, severely
   • In the west of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher drop precipitously into the North Atlantic.
   • Never will I visit it again; it is a place of evil omen.' After a very brief halt for breakfast we pressed on with such good will that by two o'clock in the afternoon we were at the foot of the vast wall of rock that formed the lip of the volcano, and which at this point towered up precipitously...1886 October – 1887 January, H[enry] Rider Haggard, She: A History of Adventure, London: Longmans, Green, and Co., published 1887, →OCLC
2. Abruptly; with no notice or ceremony: in a sudden or hasty manner, instantly, quickly.
   • Shortly after the conversation turned to the results of the recent election, John silently stood from the table, and without explanation, precipitously walked out on the dinner party.
   • Population dropped to the lowest point in five millennia. State resources declined precipitously. In many strategic and formerly prosperous areas, there were tax revenue losses of 90 percent or more in less than a single lifetime.1988, Joseph Tainter, The Collapse of Complex Societies, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, →ISBN, page 7
3. done with a lack of proper decorum, or without adequate thought, care or concern for consequenses.
   • In signing that contract without reading all of the provisions, I have performed what was a legal requirement most precipitously, leading me to wish that I had taken more care.
   • Look here son, in stealing that candy bar from Belsito's market, you have acted precipitously in the extreme; now you will have the unenviable responsibility of telling Mr. Belsito what you have done, and of expressing your heartfelt regret.

   Synonyms:

   carelessly, impulsively, rashly, rash