risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms of risky

• 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

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cheap drones, loitering munitions and widespread battlefield surveillance have made low-altitude operations far riskier for attack helicopters than in previous conflicts. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

Or was the issue simply that dunking on DINKs is a riskier gambit for graduates of Yale Law School than race-baiting? — Matthew Walther, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

But over time, some become unnecessary or risky, especially as patients age or their health changes. — Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

But because home loan products are less risky than other types of debt, these cards typically have lower rates and a higher credit limit than other credit cards on the market. — Ryley Amond,kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 20 July 2026

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