risk-averse

[ risk-uh-vurs ]

adverb

1. reluctant to take risks; tending to avoid risks as much as possible:

   risk-averse entrepreneurs.

2. of or noting a person who invests in stocks, bonds, etc., with lower risks and generally lower rates of return so as to minimize the possibility of financial loss:

   risk-averse investors who stick with government bonds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of risk-averse¹

First recorded in 1960–65; risk ( def ) + averse ( def )

Example Sentences

Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or scripted series with countless spinoffs, reality TV has become more reliant on proven franchises as the industry becomes more risk-averse.

From Los Angeles Times

O’Malley immediately prioritized improving the work environment, from asking Congress to beef up staffing to challenging the risk-averse work culture that had developed there.

From Salon

“It’s a continuum of there’s this IP you can mine, you’re thinking about how you can tap into both older audiences and newer audiences in a risk-averse environment, while still exploring genres that are relatively safe,” said Alisa Perren, director of the Center for Entertainment and Media Industries at University of Texas at Austin.

From Los Angeles Times

Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or scripted series with countless spin-offs, reality TV has become more reliant on proven franchises as the industry becomes more risk-averse.

From Los Angeles Times

Cruz, being an acquired taste, runs a couple of points behind the Republican presidential ticket in his Senate race against a strong, but risk-averse, Democratic recruit.

From Slate