Jeopardizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when someone or something is at risk of harm or loss, usually in a serious or impactful context. It often implies a high level of danger.

• By not wearing a helmet, you are jeopardizing your safety.
• She knew that revealing the secret could jeopardize her career.

This word is often used when there is a tangible threat to someone's physical safety or well-being. It emphasizes the potential for immediate harm.

• Smoking in bed endangers not only your life but also the lives of others around you.
• The reckless driver was endangering the pedestrians.

This term is used to describe actions or situations that pose a danger or create a sense of fear or alarm. It can have a more immediate and aggressive connotation.

• The dark clouds were threatening to ruin the outdoor event.
• He received a threatening message from an unknown number.

This word is suitable when discussing situations where something is weakened or made less effective. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts, depending on the situation.

• Leaking the company's confidential data could compromise its competitive advantage.
• Not following the instructions can compromise the quality of the final product.

Used most often in conversational or written contexts to describe putting something valuable or significant in danger.

• He's jeopardizing his career by breaking company rules.
• They are jeopardizing their health by not following medical advice.

Used broadly in both casual and formal settings to indicate potential danger or loss. It can describe both taking a chance on something and exposing something to danger.

• He's willing to risk everything for this business idea.
• Investing in that stock is a big risk.

Tends to be used in more formal contexts, such as literature, official documents, or scholarly articles. It indicates a serious threat or danger.

• The rising sea levels imperil coastal communities.
• This policy could imperil our national security.

An archaic or less common term, usually found in older literature or formal speech. It also means to put something at risk or in danger.

• He has no right to jeopard our future with his reckless actions.
• Such actions could jeopard the whole venture.

Commonly used in both spoken and written language to clearly describe actions that may cause harm. It's straightforward and easily understood.

• Smoking can put your health at risk.
• The company's decision to cut costs may put jobs at risk.