risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: attended with risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious

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

Early the following year, rising interest rates and soaring inflation pushed investors out of risky securities and into safer assets like bonds. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025

His hesitation has been seen publicly as naïve and risky, eroding faith in the monarchy. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025

Critics are now questioning the culture of risky livestream stunts, while supporters mourn a creator who inspired millions with his passion for flight. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Using a few tablespoons of seed oil to cook with or on salad isn't risky. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Rhymes for risky

• frisky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous