risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: attended with risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms

• dangerous
• grave
• grievous
• hazardous
• jeopardizing
• menacing
• parlous
• perilous
• serious
• threatening
• unhealthy
• unsafe
• venturesome

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

Garcia, from the advocacy network in El Paso, said U.S. border policies meant to deter crossings by diverting immigration flows to risky areas have done little to stop people from trying to cross. —Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

Since then, filing has become riskier, more onerous, and more expensive. —Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024

By comparing criminal defendants’ backgrounds to a vast database of past cases, they’re supposed to help judges gauge how risky releasing someone from jail would be. —Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024

To be sure, these trades are considered risky due to high volatility and poor financials. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous