risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: attended with risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms

• dangerous
• grave
• grievous
• hazardous
• jeopardizing
• menacing
• parlous
• perilous
• serious
• threatening
• unhealthy
• unsafe
• venturesome

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

The other market to watch is the US bond market, which in 2025 may become the limiting factor for equity and other riskier assets. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

While Bitcoin has historically fared well against inflation, economic uncertainty and resurgent inflation fears can drive investors away from riskier assets and toward safer bets such as Treasury notes. —Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 20 Dec. 2024

The bottom line: Concentration, by its nature, is risky. —Felix Salmon, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

That’s because boats are considered a riskier asset — especially older ones due to wear and tear. —Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous