noun
risk
rihsk
noun
1
The chance that something bad will happen as a result of an action or situation.
"Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer."
"Investors weighed the risk against the potential reward."
2
A person or thing viewed in terms of how likely they are to cause loss or harm (e.g. to an insurer or lender).
"The insurance company classified him as a high risk due to his driving record."
verb
1
To expose something to possible loss, harm, or danger.
"She risked her savings to start the business."
"He risked his reputation by speaking out."
How to Use Risk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe possibility of something bad happening, or to expose yourself to that possibility.
Common mistake
"Risk" takes a direct object ("risk your money," "risk losing"), not "risk to lose" — a common error for non-native speakers.
Common pairings
at risk
take a risk
risk factor
high-risk
risk assessment
Word Forms
risked past tense, risks plural, Risks plural, risks singular
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Smoking greatly increases the _____ of lung cancer.
Etymology
Borrowed via French from Italian risco/rischio; the deeper origin is disputed, with theories ranging from Latin resecum ("that which cuts, a reef") to Arabic and Greek roots tied to fortune or hazard at sea.