1
: possibility of loss or injury : peril
prefer not to expose my money to risk
There's no lifeguard. Swim at your own risk. [=with the understanding that you are responsible for your own safety]
2
: someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard
a risk to national security
Smoking is a risk to your health.
3
a
: the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract
also
: the degree of probability of such loss
b
: a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer
a driver who is considered a high risk
c
: an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source
war risk
4
: the chance that an investment (such as a stock or commodity) will lose value
All investments involve an element of risk.
see also:
risked; risking; risks
1
: to expose to hazard or danger
risked her life
2
: to incur the risk or danger of
risked breaking his neck
risker
noun
Examples of risk in a Sentence
Noun
I prefer not to expose my money to too much risk.
The degree of risk is minimal.
All investments have an element of risk.
The trip didn't seem like much of a risk.
I'm aware of the risks associated with this treatment.
There is a risk of liver damage with this medication.
Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident.
We feel that this product presents a significant risk to public health.
To me, skydiving is not worth the risk.
Smoking is a risk to your lungs.
Verb
She risked her life to save her children.
He risked all his money on starting his own business.
He risked breaking his neck.
She's risking being considered too sentimental.
The country risked a war.
brave people who risked being killed to help others
I'm not willing to risk getting lost. I'm going to buy a map.
The company is risking the loss of millions of dollars.
It's not wise to risk traveling so soon after surgery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Regardless, much of the developing world is made up of much younger countries, with populations in Africa, for example, at much lower risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 than elderly individuals with comorbidities in the United States or Western Europe.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Usa Today, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The city in April sent the hospitals a letter, warning them to make a payment deal by May 17 or risk stricter enforcement efforts.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for risk
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
While everyone can be affected by smoke or ozone, the MPCA says those at higher risk of health complications include outdoor workers, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who have heart or lung conditions.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Regardless, much of the developing world is made up of much younger countries, with populations in Africa, for example, at much lower risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 than elderly individuals with comorbidities in the United States or Western Europe.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Verb
Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs and risk tolerance before making a decision.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The city in April sent the hospitals a letter, warning them to make a payment deal by May 17 or risk stricter enforcement efforts.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for risk
Cite this Entry
“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
risk
1 of 2 noun1
: possibility of loss or injury
2
: someone or something that presents a risk
a bad risk
a good credit risk
risk
2 of 2 verb1
: to expose to danger
risked her life
2
: to take the risk or danger of
risked breaking his neck
Medical Definition
risk
noun1
: possibility of loss, injury, disease, or death
hypertension increases the risk of stroke
2
: a person considered in terms of the possible bad effects of a particular course of treatment
a poor surgical risk
Legal Definition
risk
noun1
a
: possibility of loss or injury
b
: liability for loss or injury if it occurs
the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are duly delivered to the carrier—Uniform Commercial Code
Uniform Commercial Codethe risk of personal injury and property damage should be placed with the manufacturer rather than the consumer—Case & Comment
Case & Comment2
a
: the chance of loss to the subject matter of an insurance contract : uncertainty with regard to loss
also
: the degree of probability of such loss compare peril
b
: a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer
a poor risk for insurance
c
: an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source
a war risk
riskless
adjective
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
