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View synonyms for risky

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈriskiness, noun
  • ˈriskily, adverb
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Other Words From

  • riski·ly adverb
  • riski·ness noun
  • un·risky adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of risky1

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

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.”

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.

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

“Tunnels are probably the riskiest area in a rail environment,” says Graham Kenyon, an electrical engineering consultant.

From BBC

The murdered teenager’s image is being projected from behind a window, alongside hundreds of young women who continue to make a living in this notoriously risky industry.

From BBC

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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?

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

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

What are some words risky may be commonly confused with?

How is risky used in real life?

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

Try using risky!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for risky?

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

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