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

Not mentioned in the CIT decision—and likely riskier—is section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. —Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

But scoring just one run as the road team in extras is always risky, and the Red Sox got burned again when Lexington’s Sal Frelick (4 for 5) beat Justin Slaten to the first base bag for an infield single to lead off the bottom of the 10th. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025

Orbiting and landing on such a small body is complicated, which is part of what makes the mission both interesting and risky, Michel said. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 28 May 2025

Minnesota law prohibits schools from investing in hedge funds, which often use risky investment strategies. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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