risky

[ ris-kee ]

adjective

, risk·i·er, risk·i·est.

1. attended with or involving risk; hazardous:

   a risky undertaking.

   Synonyms: perilous, dangerous

risky

/ ˈrɪskɪ /

adjective

1. involving danger; perilous

Derived Forms

• ˈriskiness, noun
• ˈriskily, adverb

Other Words From

• riski·ly adverb
• riski·ness noun
• un·risky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of risky¹

First recorded in 1820–30; risk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

She wants council pension pots to be merged so they can make bigger investments to generate higher returns, a move criticised as risky by some.

From BBC

He added that if "too much money chases too few viable investments" funds might be forced into "riskier" investments.

From BBC

She advises journalists thinking about going independent to “think through if it would be life-altering to be on the risky end of an actual lawsuit.”

From Los Angeles Times

Setting such relationships as the centerpiece for a movie can be risky; audiences may have the expectation that friends don’t have as much potential for drama or roller-coaster emotions as people who are in love.

From Los Angeles Times

Some Trump allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, have argued it is too risky to lose Stefanik's seat as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of the House, which remains too close to call.

From BBC

Related Words

• delicate
• dicey
• hazardous
• perilous
• precarious
• sensitive
• speculative
• treacherous
• tricky
• uncertain
• unhealthy
• unsafe
• unsound

More About Risky

What does risky mean?

Risky describes something that involves risk or hazards, as in Walking a tightrope without a net below is risky.

Risky is almost always used to describe an action taken that could lead to negative consequences, such as when you decide not to study for your final exams.

Example: Working as a firefighter is a risky but worthwhile job.

Where does risky come from?

The first records of the term risky come from around 1820. It combines the word risk, meaning “a dangerous chance,” and the suffix –y, which creates adjectives out of nouns.

Risky always refers to the possibility of harm or loss, but the harm or loss can range from extremely dangerous to very slight or even figurative. Sometimes risky is used to describe illegal practices, like stealing, or practices that are bad for your health, like smoking. Businesspeople, finance managers, and stock brokers will often use the term risky to describe a business venture or investment. But risky can also be used playfully, to describe something that is very low risk but that involves a small amount of effort. Looking up word meanings in a dictionary is never risky, however!

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to risky?

• riskily (adjective)
• riskiness (noun)
• unrisky (adjective)

What are some synonyms for risky?

• dangerous
• delicate
• hazardous
• sensitive
• uncertain

What are some words that share a root or word element with risky? 

• risk
• risqué
• risktaker

What are some words that often get used in discussing risky?

• dicey
• hazard
• safety
• worthwhile
• unnecessary

What are some words risky may be commonly confused with?

• risqué

How is risky used in real life?

Risky is a common word used to describe something that is hazardous.

A naked iPhone is a beautiful thing but too risky.

— Austin Mahone (@AustinMahone) August 8, 2014

The risky texts always have the typos.

— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) April 17, 2017

I've been using a men's Gillette razor since I was 14. Gillette was the first major company to hire me when I was kind of known as a risky little b for brands. I still use a gillette fusion razor and I still get so much joy from a fresh blade. in closing, I love you, Gillette.

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 16, 2019

Try using risky!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for risky?

A. dangerous
B. uncertain
C. safe
D. hazardous