1. the quality or state of being dangerous, precarious, or involving serious risk
Usage: formal; often used to describe situations or conditions rather than people

Examples

• The parlousness of the situation became clear when the bridge began to crack.
• Investors were alarmed by the parlousness of the company's financial position.
• The mountaineers understood the parlousness of climbing without proper equipment.
• The parlousness of driving in heavy fog cannot be overstated.
• She spoke about the parlousness of the political climate with deep concern.
• The parlousness of the patient's condition required immediate surgery.