risk
17 synonyms and 0 antonyms for risk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The chance that something bad will happen as a result of an action or situation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use risk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.
Full origin of risk →Frequently asked questions
What does “risk” mean?
The word “risk” means the chance that something bad will happen as a result of an action or situation. In plain terms, the possibility of something bad happening, or to expose yourself to that possibility.
How do you pronounce “risk”?
“Risk” is pronounced rihsk (/ɹɪsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “risk” in a sentence?
Here is “risk” used in a sentence: “Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.”
What part of speech is “risk”?
Depending on how it is used, “risk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “risk” come from?
The word “risk” comes from Latin. 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.
Is “risk” a common word?
“Risk” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “risk” have?
“Risk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the chance that something bad will happen as a result of an action or situation.
What is the difference between risk and hazard?
A hazard is a source of potential harm, such as a wet floor, a sharp blade, or a toxic chemical. Risk is the chance that the hazard actually causes harm, combining how likely it is with how serious it would be. The hazard exists on its own, while the risk depends on exposure to it.
Can risk be measured?
Yes, at least approximately. Risk is often assessed by combining the probability of a bad outcome with the size of its impact. Insurers, engineers, and investors put numbers to it every day. Some risks can be calculated precisely, while others can only be estimated, but even those can still be ranked and compared.
What are the types of risk?
Risk is usually grouped by area, including financial risk, health and safety risk, operational risk, legal risk, and reputational risk. It can also be split into risk you take on deliberately, such as an investment, and risk you are simply exposed to, such as illness or bad weather.
Is taking a risk always bad?
No. By definition risk is the chance of a bad outcome, but taking calculated risks is often necessary for reward, whether starting a business, learning a skill, or making an investment. The aim is usually not to avoid all risk but to understand it and judge whether the possible gain is worth it.