risk
noun
\ ˈrisk
\
\
Definition of risk
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: possibility of loss or injury : peril
2
: someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard
3a
: 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
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
at risk
: in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility
patients at risk of infection
risk
verb
risked;
risking;
risks
Definition of risk (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to expose to hazard or danger
risked her life
2
: to incur the risk or danger of
risked breaking his neck
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Other Words from risk
Noun
riskless
\ ˈrisk-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
Verb
risker
noun
Synonyms for risk
Synonyms: Noun
danger, hazard, imminence, menace, peril, pitfall, threat, trouble
Synonyms: Verb
adventure, chance, gamble (on), hazard, tempt, venture
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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: Noun
But the company also used legal marketing practices to boost opioid sales, despite its knowledge of the risks associated with the drug. — Annabelle Timsit, Quartz, "The marketing practices that worsened America’s opioid epidemic are making their way overseas," 24 Aug. 2019 The inverted yield curve and trade war do warn of a higher risk of recession over the next year. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Econometer: Is the yield curve change a sign of a recession?," 23 Aug. 2019 In fantasy football, there’s some type of risk with almost every player. — Adam Ronis, SI.com, "When is it Safe to Select Colts QB Andrew Luck in Fantasy Drafts?," 23 Aug. 2019 The bond holders and the markets are just completely aware of the different risk that surround the company and are completely comfortable with them. — Marissa Luck, Houston Chronicle, "Citgo’s new CEO confident in an uncertain time," 23 Aug. 2019 Arterburn says that the inexact science of concussions prevented a realistic assessment of the risk of that type of injury. — Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, "What Happens When a Drone Crashes Into Your Face?," 22 Aug. 2019 That means primary care providers need to get better at recognizing the signs of suicide risk. — Lizz Schumer, Woman's Day, "Is Suicide Preventable? Experts Weigh In," 22 Aug. 2019 But this is one case where popular perceptions of risk are skewed. — Alan Wirzbicki, BostonGlobe.com, "The free, all-natural, and quite handsome solution to Lyme disease and other tick maladies," 22 Aug. 2019 Sparks testified that Benjamin accepted $150,000 to resign instead of risk being fired. — Washington Post, "Jury backs Nicholas Sparks in lawsuit by former school head," 21 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
The result, Jinyong said, risked prioritizing the environment over humans escaping poverty. — Katherine Dunn, Fortune, "The Conundrum at the Heart of China’s Belt and Road Initiative," 5 Sep. 2019 Some are complicit, others risk their lives resisting. — Hillel Italie, Twin Cities, "Margaret Atwood writes sequel to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’," 1 Sep. 2019 Outside France, Poland and Switzerland, the director can’t go anywhere, period, without risking extradition. — Michael Phillips, chicagotribune.com, "Roman Polanski’s latest, a quest for justice directed by a fugitive, drips with irony. It’s also Polanski’s best since ‘The Pianist.'," 30 Aug. 2019 Although the Justice Department made the money available to the state in July, the state can’t accept or draw from the money without risking penalties due to the sanctuary law, according to court records. — oregonlive.com, "Feds can’t withhold public safety grants for Oregon, city of Portland based on sanctuary law, judge rules," 8 Aug. 2019 Now consumers risk acting with the same sense of arrogance. — Alain Sylvain, Quartz at Work, "What happens when social media’s “cancel culture” misses the point?," 1 Aug. 2019 Don't risk your brain turning to jello too! ... bicycle helmets for EVERYONE!!!! — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'Counting On' Fans Were Concerned About Joy-Anna Duggar After Seeing Her Latest Instagram," 25 July 2019 These can be lit and will smolder long enough to be used to ignite the fuse without risking catching anything else on fire or burning the user. — Eric Adams, Popular Mechanics, "How to Have Fun (and Stay Safe) During This Year's Fireworks-Filled Fourth," 1 July 2019 That growth has also reduced the clout and profits of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia, enabling President Trump to impose sanctions on Iran and Venezuela without risking higher gasoline prices or shortages. — Clifford Krauss, BostonGlobe.com, "US oil companies find energy independence isn’t so profitable," 30 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'risk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for risk
risk
noun
English Language Learners Definition of risk
(Entry 1 of 2)
: the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen
: someone or something that may cause something bad or unpleasant to happen
: a person or thing that someone judges to be a good or bad choice for insurance, a loan, etc.