Risky: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️

Add to dictionary

risky

[ˈrɪski ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

business

Involving the possibility of loss or harm; characterized by risk or uncertainty.

Synonyms

dangerous, hazardous, perilous, unsafe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
risky	Used to describe a situation, action, or decision that has a significant chance of resulting in a loss or negative outcome, but not necessarily life-threatening. Investing in that start-up is risky, but it could pay off. It's risky to drive long distances without checking your car's condition.
hazardous	Typically relates to substances, conditions, or activities that pose a significant risk to health, safety, or the environment. Often used in formal contexts such as regulations or warnings. Handling hazardous chemicals without proper gear is illegal. The warehouse stores many hazardous materials.
dangerous	Describes situations, actions, or conditions that are likely to cause harm or injury. The old building is dangerous and should be avoided. It's dangerous to swim in these waters due to strong currents.
perilous	Often used in more dramatic contexts to describe situations that involve serious and immediate danger. Their journey through the mountains was perilous. They found themselves in a perilous situation during the storm.
unsafe	Describes a condition or action that is not safe, can be due to various reasons including lack of security or stability. This neighborhood has become unsafe at night. It's unsafe to walk on the icy road without proper shoes.

Examples of usage

Investing in stocks is risky, but it can also lead to high returns.
Taking on risky projects can sometimes result in great success.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Full of the possibility of danger, failure, or loss.

Synonyms

chancy, dicey, precarious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
risky	Used when describing something that has a high probability of causing harm or is uncertain and involves potential danger. Investing all your money in one stock is very risky. It's risky to go hiking in the mountains without proper gear.
precarious	Used to describe situations or conditions that are unstable and potentially dangerous, often with an emphasis on lack of security. The construction worker was in a precarious position on the edge of the building. Her health is in a precarious state after the accident.
dicey	Informal term used to describe situations that are uncertain and potentially dangerous, often implying unpredictability. The weather looks dicey; we should prepare for a storm. Driving on icy roads can be quite dicey.
chancy	Informal term often used to describe situations that involve uncertain outcomes or luck, rather than predictable danger. Gambling is chancy; you never know if you'll win or lose. It's a bit chancy to start a business without conducting thorough research.

Examples of usage

It was a risky decision to travel during a storm.
The plan seemed too risky to be worth pursuing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'risky' comes from 'risk', which has Latin roots in 'risicum', meaning 'danger' or 'peril'.
It has been used in the English language since the late 1800s, evolving from earlier phrases about dangerous situations.

Psychology

People often assess risk based on their past experiences and personal attitudes towards danger.
Risk-taking behavior can be more common in adolescents due to ongoing brain development, particularly in areas related to rewards and impulse control.

Business

In finance, taking risks can lead to higher returns, but it involves careful analysis to avoid potential losses.
Many entrepreneurs are considered 'risk-takers' because they often invest in new and uncertain ventures.

Culture

In literature and films, characters who take risks are often seen as heroic or groundbreaking, challenging the status quo.
Cultures around the world view risk differently; some celebrate risk-taking as a path to innovation, while others emphasize caution and stability.

Health

Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking or extreme sports, can be deemed risky due to their potential negative health impacts.
Public health campaigns often focus on reducing risky behaviors to promote overall community well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "risky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arriscado

🇮🇳 जोखिम भरा

🇩🇪 riskant

🇮🇩 berisiko

🇺🇦 ризикований

🇵🇱 ryzykowny

🇯🇵 危険な (kiken na)

🇫🇷 risqué

🇪🇸 arriesgado

🇹🇷 riskli

🇰🇷 위험한 (wiheomhan)

🇸🇦 مُخاطِر

🇨🇿 riskantní

🇸🇰 rizikový

🇨🇳 危险的 (wēixiǎn de)

🇸🇮 tvegano

🇮🇸 áhættusamt

🇰🇿 қауіпті

🇬🇪 სარისკო

🇦🇿 riskli

🇲🇽 arriesgado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,293, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10290 modernity
10291 unbroken
10292 elaboration
10293 risky
10294 captivity
10295 peroxide
10296 durability
...