risky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

riskiness

2 of 2

noun

risk·​i·​ness

-kēnə̇s, 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being risky : chanciness

Synonyms of risky

Adjective

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious

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

Adjective

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Edinburgh Fringe comes to a close Monday, wrapping up the monthlong performing arts festival that has become a proving ground for some of theater's riskiest, weirdest and most original work. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Pittsburgh, and most of Western Pennsylvania, will see a major heat risk, meaning the heat is dangerous for anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration and can be risky for anyone active in the sun or people in heat-sensitive groups. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Drugs such as Lamictal and lithium, along with anticonvulsants and antipsychotics, can help control manic and depressive episodes, quiet racing thoughts and sleep problems, and curb risky behavior. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

The concept depends on a lot of high-stakes assumptions about future growth in a specific area, which is one reason critics see it as risky. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Rhymes for risky

• frisky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous