risk
rihsk
Risk (noun) means the chance that something bad will happen as a result of an action or situation. Example: “Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.”
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."
"There is a small risk of rain, so bring an umbrella."
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."
"The bank treated the new business as a poor risk and refused the loan."
"Young drivers are often seen as a bigger risk by insurers."
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."
"Climbers who ignore the weather risk their lives on the mountain."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- risks
- Third person singular
- risks
- Past tense
- risked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for risk
See all rhymes for 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.
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