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parlous

[pahr-luhs] / ˈpɑr ləs /


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.

The head-on collision exposed the parlous state of the Greek railway network's safety precautions -- despite European Union grants for their modernisation and repeated warnings from unions.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 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

At a parlous 51-3 England were vulnerable, but Bethell and Brook initially appeared assured only for things to unravel via a duff pull shot and slash to backward point on 18 and 34 respectively.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

Conviction is also driving investors, particularly wealthy Europeans who see huge stakes in the continent’s parlous security situation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

This stalwart lad of fourteen, with his fearless blue eyes and tanned face, looked more than his years, for he lived in parlous times, which ripened men early.

From Harper's Round Table, July 16, 1895 by Various




Vocabulary lists containing parlous