Risk: meaning, definitions and examples
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risk
[ rɪsk ]
financial
Risk is the potential for gaining or losing something of value. In the financial world, risk is often associated with the uncertainty of returns on an investment.
Synonyms
chance, probability, uncertainty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| risk |
Use when discussing potential negative outcomes or dangers involved in a situation. Often used in finance, medical fields, or any scenario where there is a possibility of harm or loss.
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| chance |
Use when referring to the possibility of something happening, typically without a negative connotation. It suggests a random or unpredictable factor.
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| uncertainty |
Use when referring to a state of being unsure about the outcome. It often implies incomplete information and can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.
|
| probability |
Use in more formal or scientific contexts to discuss the likelihood of an event occurring, often expressed in numerical terms.
|
Examples of usage
- Investing in stocks carries a certain level of risk.
- High-risk investments have the potential for high returns but also high losses.
take
To risk means to expose oneself to the possibility of a loss or danger. It involves taking a chance on something uncertain or risky.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| risk |
Used in situations involving the possibility of something negative happening. Often official or serious scenarios such as finance, health, or safety.
|
| gamble |
Typically used when referring to betting money or something of value on an uncertain outcome. It implies taking a chance with the hope of a positive but uncertain result.
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| venture |
Usually refers to a new business or project that involves uncertainty and risk but has the potential for profit or significant positive outcomes. Often used in professional or entrepreneurial contexts.
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| hazard |
Used to describe something that can cause harm or danger, often in terms of environmental or situational threats. It usually has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She decided to risk her savings on the new business venture.
- He risked his life to save the drowning child.
Translations
Translations of the word "risk" in other languages:
🇵🇹 risco
🇮🇳 जोखिम
🇩🇪 Risiko
🇮🇩 risiko
🇺🇦 ризик
🇵🇱 ryzyko
🇯🇵 リスク
🇫🇷 risque
🇪🇸 riesgo
🇹🇷 risk
🇰🇷 위험
🇸🇦 خطر
🇨🇿 riziko
🇸🇰 riziko
🇨🇳 风险
🇸🇮 tveganje
🇮🇸 áhætta
🇰🇿 тәуекел
🇬🇪 რისკი
🇦🇿 risk
🇲🇽 riesgo
Etymology
The word 'risk' originated in the mid-17th century from the French word 'risque'. It was initially used in the context of maritime insurance to describe the possibility of loss at sea. Over time, the term expanded to encompass various situations involving uncertainty and potential danger.