jeopardy
Jeopardy (noun) means a situation of serious risk of harm, failure, or loss. Example: “The team's playoff hopes are now in jeopardy after the loss.”
How to use jeopardy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDanger — usually used in the fixed phrase "in jeopardy," meaning at risk.
Almost always follows "in": "in jeopardy," rarely used as a bare noun elsewhere.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
jeopardied past tense, jeopardies plural, jeopardies singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team's playoff hopes are now in _____ after the loss.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman giu parti, "a divided game" — originally a chess or gambling term for an even, uncertain contest, which by Middle English narrowed to mean simply "risk" or "danger."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for jeopardy
See all rhymes for jeopardy →Frequently asked questions
What does “jeopardy” mean?
The word “jeopardy” means a situation of serious risk of harm, failure, or loss. In plain terms, danger — usually used in the fixed phrase "in jeopardy," meaning at risk.
How do you pronounce “jeopardy”?
“Jeopardy” is pronounced JEH-puh-dee (/ˈd͡ʒɛpɚdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “jeopardy” in a sentence?
Here is “jeopardy” used in a sentence: “The team's playoff hopes are now in jeopardy after the loss.”
What part of speech is “jeopardy”?
“Jeopardy” is a noun.
Where does the word “jeopardy” come from?
The word “jeopardy” comes from Middle English. From Anglo-Norman giu parti, "a divided game" — originally a chess or gambling term for an even, uncertain contest, which by Middle English narrowed to mean simply "risk" or "danger.".
Is “jeopardy” a common word?
“Jeopardy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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