adjective
-
dangerous or difficult
-
cunning
adverb
-
extremely
Other Word Forms
- parlously adverb
- parlousness noun
Etymology
Origin of parlous
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, variant of perlous, shortening of perilous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A total electricity breakdown on Monday underscored the parlous state of the economy.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
This isn’t the first time that someone has tried to use AI as a shortcut, with parlous consequences.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
You can make a good argument that this news is bearish for bonds, because it surely raises further questions about parlous finances of the U.S. government.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026
Evaluating the parlous flaccidity of our schools, James Traub thinks we’re in big trouble—but he also finds reason for hope.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026
Thus, by action and reaction, the situation grew steadily worse, disclosing its parlous state by numberless symptoms of social ill-health.
From The Rising Tide of Color Against White World-Supremacy by Stoddard, Lothrop
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.