noun
Uncommon
risking
Risking (noun) means the act of putting something in danger or exposing it to possible loss, in the hope of gaining something else. Example: “Risking his savings on the startup felt reckless to his family.”
noun
1
The act of putting something in danger or exposing it to possible loss, in the hope of gaining something else.
"Risking his savings on the startup felt reckless to his family."
"She wasn't interested in risking her reputation over a rumor."
How to use risking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPutting something at stake — money, safety, reputation — for a chance at a bigger payoff.
Common mistake
Usually appears as the -ing form of the verb "risk" rather than as a standalone noun; check whether "risking" is doing verb work ("risking his life") before treating it as a noun in a sentence.
Common pairings
risking his life
risking everything
worth risking
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Word forms
- Plural
- riskings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ his savings on the startup felt reckless to his family.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “risking” mean?
The word “risking” means the act of putting something in danger or exposing it to possible loss, in the hope of gaining something else. In plain terms, putting something at stake — money, safety, reputation — for a chance at a bigger payoff.
How do you use “risking” in a sentence?
Here is “risking” used in a sentence: “Risking his savings on the startup felt reckless to his family.”
What part of speech is “risking”?
“Risking” is a noun.
Is “risking” a common word?
“Risking” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How is "risking" used grammatically in a sentence like "risking his life"?
"Risking" is the gerund or present-participle form of the verb "risk," and it is typically followed directly by a noun object, as in "risking his life" or "risking failure." It describes the ongoing act of putting something in danger for the chance of a gain.
What is the difference between "risking" and "gambling"?
"Risking" broadly describes exposing anything, such as money, safety, or reputation, to possible loss in hope of a gain. "Gambling" specifically implies staking something, often money, on an uncertain outcome, frequently in a game of chance.
What is the difference between "risking" and "sacrificing"?
"Risking" means exposing something to a chance of loss while still hoping to keep or gain from it. "Sacrificing" means deliberately giving something up entirely, with no expectation of keeping it.
