Risking: meaning, definitions and examples

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risking

 

[ ˈrɪskɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a dangerous situation

Putting something valuable in a situation where it could be lost or damaged.

Synonyms

chancing, endangering, jeopardizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
risking

Use when someone is taking a chance that could lead to a negative outcome.

  • She is risking her job by speaking out against the company policy
chancing

Often used in more casual or informal situations when someone is taking a gamble or a small risk.

  • He's chancing a last-minute trip to the beach despite the weather forecast
jeopardizing

Used when something important is being put at risk, often with serious consequences.

  • Her careless actions are jeopardizing the success of the entire project
endangering

Implies putting someone or something in harm's way, with a stronger negative connotation.

  • By driving recklessly, he is endangering the lives of others on the road

Examples of usage

  • He was risking his life by climbing the mountain without proper equipment.
  • She was risking her job by speaking out against her boss.
Context #2 | Verb

taking a chance

Engaging in an action with an uncertain outcome, with the possibility of a negative result.

Synonyms

gambling, speculating, venturing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
risking

This word is often used when someone is putting something valuable in danger in a general sense. It's commonly used in serious situations.

  • She is risking her job by speaking out against her boss.
  • They are risking their lives to save the trapped miners.
gambling

Gambling is specifically used when talking about betting money or valuables in games of chance. It has a somewhat negative connotation due to its association with addiction and financial loss.

  • He lost all his savings by gambling at the casino.
  • Gambling online can be very addictive.
speculating

Speculating is used in the context of making high-risk financial investments based on conjecture. It is often associated with the stock market or real estate.

  • He made a fortune by speculating on tech stocks.
  • Speculating in the housing market can be very profitable but also very risky.
venturing

Venturing is used when someone is taking a risk in a new or unfamiliar situation, often in business or travel. It generally has a positive connotation of bravery and initiative.

  • They are venturing into a new market with their innovative product.
  • He enjoys venturing into unknown territories during his travels.

Examples of usage

  • She was risking her reputation by associating with known criminals.
  • He was risking rejection by confessing his feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "risking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arriscar

🇮🇳 जोखिम उठाना

🇩🇪 riskieren

🇮🇩 mempertaruhkan

🇺🇦 ризикувати

🇵🇱 ryzykować

🇯🇵 リスクを冒す (risuku o okasu)

🇫🇷 prendre des risques

🇪🇸 arriesgar

🇹🇷 risk almak

🇰🇷 위험을 감수하다 (wiheomeul gamsuhada)

🇸🇦 المخاطرة (al-mukhatarah)

🇨🇿 riskovat

🇸🇰 riskovať

🇨🇳 冒险 (màoxiǎn)

🇸🇮 tvegati

🇮🇸 taka áhættu

🇰🇿 тәуекелге бару (täuekelge baru)

🇬🇪 რისკის გაწევა (riskis gatseva)

🇦🇿 risk etmək

🇲🇽 arriesgar

Etymology

The word 'risking' originated from the Middle English word 'rysk' meaning 'danger', which in turn came from Old French 'risque' and Italian 'risco'. The concept of risk has been present throughout human history, with different civilizations recognizing the dangers and uncertainties involved in various activities. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass the idea of taking chances and facing potential dangers in pursuit of a desired outcome.

See also: risk, risky.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,710, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.